Safety tips to remember when preparing Thanksgiving meals

GALVESTON – Fire officials are reminding those preparing Thanksgiving meals to remember the importance of being safe in the kitchen.

"Thanksgiving is the leading day of the year for home fires involving cooking equipment" remarked Galveston Fire Chief Mike Wisko. "Accidents can happen quickly and we encourage all residents to be prepared and practice safety in the kitchen and home."

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The City of Galveston's Fire Department and the National Fire Protection Association have provided the following safety tips for the Thanksgiving holiday:

  • Stay in the kitchen when you are cooking on the stovetop so you can keep an eye on the food.
  • Stay in the home when cooking your turkey and check on it frequently.
  • Keep children away from the stove. The stove will be hot and kids should stay 3 feet away.
  • Make sure kids stay away from hot food and liquids. The steam or splash from vegetables, gravy or coffee could cause serious burns.
  • Keep the floor clear so you don't trip over kids, toys, pocketbooks or bags.
  • Keep knives out of the reach of children.
  • Be sure electric cords from an electric knife, coffee maker, plate warmer or mixer are not dangling off the counter within easy reach of a child.
  • Keep matches and utility lighters out of the reach of children — up high in a locked cabinet.
  • Never leave children alone in room with a lit a candle.
  • Make sure your smoke alarms are working. Test them by pushing the test button.