Thanksgiving is a time to enjoy the company of family and friends. But the preparation of a holiday dinner can create unexpected hazards.
Even brief distractions in the kitchen can result in serious fires.
The California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services reminds everyone that a little preparation goes a long way in keeping your loved ones and your home safe this holiday season.
BEFORE A FIRE
Fire can move quickly and every second counts. Creating a fire escape plan now, will prepare you to act quickly in case of a fire.
Fire Escape Plan
- Find two ways out of each room in the event the primary way out is blocked by fire or some.
- Check for stuck windows and be sure screens can be taken out quickly.
- Teach children not to hide from firefighters.
Escape Plan for People with Access or Functional Needs
- If you use a walker or wheelchair, check all exits to make sure you can get through any doorways.
- Speak to your family members or neighbors about your fire safety plan and practice it with them.
- Keep a phone nearby and be ready to call 911 if a fire occurs.
Smoke Alarms
A working smoke alarm significantly increases your chances of surviving a deadly home fire. Be sure to test your smoke alarms once a month and replace them 10 years from the date of manufacture.
It’s important to think of those with access or functional needs when purchasing smoke alarms for the home.
- Audible alarms for visually impaired people should pause between cycles so they can listen to the instructions of others.
- For the hearing impaired – contact your local fire department for information about obtaining a flashing or vibrating smoke alarm.
DURING A FIRE
There are important steps you can take to reduce the chance of injury or death during a home fire.
- If possible, crawl low under smoke towards the exit.
- Before opening a door, feel the doorknob and door. If either is hot, leave the room using your secondary exit route.
- If you do open a door, open it slowly and be prepared to shut it quickly if heavy smoke or fire is present.
- If assisting someone with access or functional needs, tell the 911 operator or firefighters where in the home the person is located.
- If pets are trapped inside your home, tell firefighters immediately when they arrive.
- If you can’t get out, close the door, and cover cracks around doors with cloth to keep smoke out.
- If your clothes catch fire, remember to Stop, Drop and Roll.
PREVENT HOME FIRES
Preventing home fires is possible! A few simple steps will keep your loved ones and your home safe.
Cooking
- Stay in the kitchen while you are frying or grilling food.
- If an appliance has a three-prong plug, don’t force it into a two-slot outlet or extension cord.
- Immediately shut off light switches that are hot to the touch and lights that flicker. It is best to replace them before using again.
Portable Space Heaters
- Keep flammable objects at least three feet away from portable heating devices.
- Make sure the portable heater has a thermostat control mechanism and will turn off automatically if the heater falls over.
Fireplaces and Woodstoves
- Inspect and clean woodstove pipes and fireplaces annually.
- Use a fireplace screen heavy enough to stop rolling logs and big enough to cover the entire opening of the fireplace.
- Make sure the fire is completely out before leaving the house or going to bed to prevent flying sparks that could lead to a fire.