Every year, there is always the sad story around the fourth Thursday in November of someone who burned their house down while cooking Thanksgiving dinner.  While you may want your turkey to be smokin’ you don’t want your house to be.  Here are some good tips to stay safe (and sheltered) this Thanksgiving.

Cooking fires account for about 40% of all house fires.  Make sure you are being cautious, especially when you may be cooking larger quantities or different style food than you are accustomed to.  Keep these simple tips in mind:

1.      Stay in the kitchen while cooking

2.      Check on food regularly to make sure it is not burning, spilling over, etc.

3.      While cooking, wear clothing that is not too loose and can get caught  in hot food or catch fire when reaching over or around cooking surfaces

4.      Be careful not to use too much oil and watch for oil that may be boiling over

5.      Keep flammable objects such as paper and plastic away from cooking areas

6.      Don’t mix alcohol and cooking (unless the alcohol is used for cooking)

7.      Make sure your smoke alarms are working

Hopefully these tips can help you towards a happy holiday.  Happy Thanksgiving from your friends at Dennis Insurance Agency!