As the holiday season approaches, the Murfreesboro Fire Rescue Department (MFRD) in Tennessee emphasizes the importance of cooking safety. With Thanksgiving and Christmas being peak days for home cooking fires, MFRD Chief Mark McCluskey urges caution in the kitchen to ensure a safe holiday experience. According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), unattended cooking is a leading cause of fires and related casualties.
To help families safely prepare holiday meals, MFRD shares several safety tips from the NFPA:
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– Never leave cooking unattended and always stay in the kitchen when using the stove or oven.
– Keep flammable items away from stovetops, ensuring towels and paper are distant from heat sources.
– For small grease fires, use a lid to smother flames, turn off the burner, and let the pan cool before moving it.
– In case of oven fires, turn off the oven, keep the door closed, and have it inspected before reuse.
– Maintain a three-foot safety zone around stoves and hot food to protect children and pets.
– Prevent burns by keeping children away from hot food, liquids, and sharp knives.
– Secure electrical cords out of children’s reach and store matches and lighters in a high cabinet.
– Keep floors clear of tripping hazards like toys and clutter while cooking.
– Test smoke alarms and replace batteries as needed to ensure functionality.
Regarding deep fryers, the NFPA advises against their use due to safety risks. If using one, fry outdoors on a flat surface at least 10 feet away from structures and ensure the turkey is fully thawed and dried to prevent dangerous flare-ups.
For more information or safety questions, contact MFRD at (615) 849-2605. Additionally, a video on holiday cooking safety is available on Murfreesboro’s City TV: Holiday Cooking Safety Video.
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Murfreesboro Thanksgiving Holiday Closures
City offices and services in Murfreesboro will be closed on November 28 and 29, 2024, for the Thanksgiving holiday, affecting public services such as waste collection, transit, and parks.