Have a Safe and Happy Thanksgiving!

While we clean the house, prepare for family and friends, give thanks and help ourselves to great food, remember to celebrate this holiday safely. 

Did you know that Thanksgiving is the leading day of the year for home fires involving cooking equipment? The kitchen is the heart of the home, especially during the holiday season. 

Kids love to be involved in holiday preparations. Safety in the kitchen is important, especially on Thanksgiving Day when there is a lot of activity and people at home.

Here are a few tips to keep your friends and family safe:

• Stay in the kitchen when you are cooking food on the stove top so you can keep and eye on the food.
• Keep children away from the stove. The stove will be hot and kids should stay 3 feet away. 
• Be sure electric cords from an electric knife, coffee maker, plate warmer or mixer are not dangling off the counter within easy reach of a child.
• Keep candles away from combustible materials and children.
• If you deep fry a turkey, make sure the turkey is not frozen, do not overfill the pot with oil, keep a fire extinguisher handy and DO NOT deep fry your turkey inside the home or garage.  Fry the turkey outside in the driveway or on some other non-combustible surface.  Never leave the turkey unattended!
• Make sure your smoke alarms are working.
• NEVER drink and drive. 

The holidays are for celebrating but don't overdo it. The holiday season is the best time of the year, but just a few accidents can make it a reason not to celebrate!  For more safety tips visit us on facebook or feel free to call the at 815-463-4500.

Happy Thanksgiving!