By Madelyn Gibbs
As we approach this year’s holiday season, the Fort Worth Fire Department wants everyone to enjoy their time with family and friends as safely as possible.

The holidays are a high time for cooking related incidents. While we know that even with the best preparation and precautions, accidents happen. You can, though, reduce the probability of accidents by following these safety tips:

• Keep potholders and food wrappers at least three (3) feet away from heat sources while cooking.
• Turn pot handles on the stove inward.
• Wear tighter fitting clothing with shorter sleeves when cooking. Long, loose sleeves can cause spills and catch fire more easily.
• Clean up spills immediately to prevent slips and falls.
• Make sure all cooking surfaces have been turned off when you leave the kitchen.
• Be extra careful when frying turkeys!

For turkey fryer safety tips check out the following websites:
Underwriters Laboratories: UL.com
Consumer Product Safety Commission: cpsc.gov

Another danger that can interrupt a good turkey dinner is choking. Learning how to perform the Heimlich maneuver can save lives.
The use of open flames common during this time of year. Candles, fire places, tea lights, etc… all add to the festive mood.Be sure to keep combustibles (i.e. decorations, curtains, stockings, etc.) away from open flames. After guests leave, walk around the home making sure that all candles and smoking materials are extinguished before going to bed.
For more information on holiday fire safety:

A Season for Sharing in Fire Safety or go to
USFA Holiday Fire Safety

It’s a lot of work preparing for the holidays, but it doesn’t have to be dangerous. With care you can stay safe, injury-free and be able to enjoy this holiday season with your family and loved ones.