Turkey, Tinsel, and Fire Safety
11/9/2024 (Permalink)
Thanksgiving is a time for gathering with loved ones, enjoying delicious meals, and creating lasting memories. But amidst all the preparation and celebration, it's important to remember that the holiday season also brings an increased risk of fire hazards. Whether you’re cooking a big feast at home or hosting a business event, fire safety should always be a top priority.
1. Keep an Eye on the Stove and Oven
Cooking fires are one of the leading causes of Thanksgiving-related accidents. As tempting as it may be to walk away from the kitchen while your turkey is roasting or the potatoes are simmering, never leave cooking food unattended. If you're frying a turkey, make sure to follow safety instructions carefully, as hot oil can cause devastating fires if spilled or splashed.
2. Stay Safe with Candles
Candles are a popular decoration for Thanksgiving, especially as the evening darkens. However, they pose a serious fire risk if left unattended or placed too close to flammable materials like curtains, tablecloths, or decorations. Always blow out candles when leaving a room or before going to bed, and consider using flameless LED candles as a safer alternative.
3. Decorations Matter
When decorating for Thanksgiving, be mindful of your choices. Many seasonal decorations, like hay bales and dried flowers, are highly flammable. Keep these materials away from heat sources, such as stoves, fireplaces, and space heaters, to avoid potential fires.
4. Make Sure Smoke Detectors Are Working
Before your Thanksgiving festivities begin, test the smoke alarms in your home or business to ensure they're functioning properly. If your alarms are low on batteries, replace them—it's a quick fix that could save lives in the event of a fire.
5. Have an Emergency Plan
Whether you're hosting a family gathering or a company event, always have an emergency escape plan in place. Make sure everyone knows how to exit the building safely and where to meet outside in case of a fire. If you own a commercial property, make sure employees and customers are aware of the evacuation routes.
What If the Worst Happens? SERVPRO of Central and Downtown Indianapolis is Here to Help
Even with the best precautions, accidents can still happen. If a fire breaks out during your Thanksgiving celebration, SERVPRO of Central and Downtown Indianapolis is ready to help you recover. We offer fire damage restoration services for both homes and businesses, providing fast, professional cleanup to get your property back to normal as quickly as possible.
From smoke and soot removal to structural repairs, our team is trained to handle all aspects of fire damage restoration. We’ll work with your insurance company to ensure a smooth claims process, and we’re available 24/7 for emergency situations.
Don’t let a Thanksgiving fire ruin your holiday—call SERVPRO of Central and Downtown Indianapolis at (317) 243-0896 to learn how we can help you restore your property and peace of mind, no matter the situation.
Stay safe and enjoy a fire-free holiday season!