Kaua‘i Fire Department shares Thanksgiving and holiday safety tips

Published on November 21, 2023

LĪHU‘E  – The Kaua‘i Fire Department is sharing safety tips from the National Fire Protection Association for the upcoming holiday season.

“As the holiday season approaches, the Kaua‘i Fire Department wants to ensure your 'ohana's safety by sharing important information,” said KFD Capt. Justin Kaeo Kinoshita.

 The following is provided by the National Fire Protection Association:

• When cooking on the stovetop, make sure to stay in the kitchen to keep an eye on the food;
• When cooking your turkey, it is important to stay at home and keep an eye on it regularly;
• Children should stay at least 3 feet away from the stove, as it can get hot and cause burns;
• Keep kids away from hot food and drinks to prevent serious burns from steam or splash;
• Clear the floor of tripping hazards, such as toys, bags, and pocketbooks;
• It is important to keep knives away from children;
• Make sure to keep electric cords from appliances like knives, coffee makers, and mixers out of reach of children.
• Store matches and utility lighters in a locked cabinet, out of children's reach.
• It is extremely important to never leave children alone in a room with a lit candle; and
• It's important to ensure that your smoke alarms are in working order. Test them by pressing the test button.

Thanksgiving Day sees the highest number of home fires related to cooking equipment. Therefore, it is important to keep kids away from the kitchen during this busy time. Engage them in fun activities like games, puzzles or books. They can also be involved in Thanksgiving preparations by trying out recipes that do not involve cooking in the kitchen.

For more information, please call the KFD Prevention Bureau at 808-241-4985 or email kfdpreventionbureau@kauai.gov.

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