Benjamin Franklin, who we all know is one of the most important people in American history, really disliked the idea of the Bald Eagle being our national symbol and seal. Although the rumors of him trying to make the Turkey our symbol and seal are false, he did have some funny things to say about our now beloved Eagle. In a letter to his daughter Sarah Bache in 1784 he said  that he wished the Bald Eagle hadn’t been chosen. “It’s a bird of bad moral character, Choosing to steal fish from hawks and ranks a coward among birds for they are easily cowed by Sparrows.” Franklin went on to say that “The Turkey however is a bird of courage and a true original native of America.” Ben trying to make the Turkey the National Seal is as true as the story of a young George Washington and his infamous cherry tree. 

In just a few weeks we will be honoring Benjamin Franklins favorite bird by making them the centerpiece of our Thanksgiving meals. Whether you are cooking or eating these delicious birds we have a few safety reminders to help you to not burn your house down or end up one of the thousands of people in the emergency room this holiday season. 

Stovetops and Ovens

Busy cooks can become distracted preparing several dishes at once while also trying to entertain guests. Cooking fires can easily be prevented by following a few simple precautions:

• Start the holiday cooking with a clean stove and oven. Remove food and grease buildup from burners, stovetop, and oven.
• Stay in the kitchen when cooking and don’t become distracted by guests.
• Stay in the home when cooking turkey, set a timer, and check on it frequently.
• Keep children away from the stove. Preferably use the back burners.
• Keep a flame-resistant oven mitt, potholder or lid nearby to smother any flames.
• For an oven fire, turn off the heat and keep the door closed.
• Have working smoke alarms in the home and have an escape plan that the entire family knows if there is a fire.

Turkey Fryers

Never use a turkey fryer indoors, in the garage or on a covered patio because of the fire hazard. Never overfill the oil in a turkey fryer. Many turkey fires occur while the oil is being heated. Units can easily tip over, spilling hot, scalding oil onto anyone or anything nearby, leading to fires, burns or other injuries. Since most units do not have automatic thermostatic controls, oil may heat until it catches fire. The sides, lids, and handles get extremely hot and may cause burns.

Safety tips:

• Read and follow the manufacturer’s guidelines.
• Completely thaw the turkey.
• Do not overfill the fryer with oil. Before dumping a few gallons of oil into the fryer, test it out with water. Place the turkey inside and then fill it with water until the bird is submerged. Remove the turkey and mark the water line on the fryer so you will know how much oil to put in the fryer.
• Never leave the fryer unattended.
• Keep children and pets well away from the fryer. Remember the oil will remain dangerously hot for hours.
• Only use the oil recommended by the manufacturer. Different types of oil have different ignition temperatures.
• Allow at least two feet of space between the liquid propane tank and the fryer burner.
• Use well-insulated potholders or oven mitts; wear safety goggles to protect eyes from oil splatter.
• If oil begins to smoke, immediately turn OFF the gas supply.
• Keep an all-purpose fire extinguisher nearby.
• Never use water to extinguish a grease fire.

Lastly we Candles… According to the USFA, candles are responsible for an estimated 15,600 residential fires a year, causing 150 deaths, 1,270 injuries, and $539 million in property damage. More than half of candle fires are a result of a candle being placed too close to flammable holiday decorations. 

Being cognizant of these potential issues is a sure fire way to keep them from happening! Now that you are ready, let the Holiday Season begin!