Red Cross Urges Thanksgiving Fire Safety

Rochester, - As families prepare to gather to celebrate Thanksgiving, the American Red Cross is urging everyone to make home fire safety a top priority during the busiest day of the year for cooking fires.

The reminder comes after an exceptionally busy fall for local Red Cross Disaster Action Team (DAT) volunteers. October was the busiest month for local disaster responses since 2020, with Red Cross volunteers responding to 68 disasters across the region – 67 of them home fires – and providing immediate emergency assistance to 275 individuals impacted by those events.

Since November 1, Red Cross volunteers have responded to 18 additional home fires, underscoring the continued need for families to take simple steps to prevent fires before they start.

“Behind every home fire is a family whose holiday plans can change in an instant,” said Ken Lee, Executive Director, Greater Rochester Chapter. “Our volunteers have seen firsthand how devastating these emergencies can be. As families begin their holiday preparations, we’re asking everyone to stay attentive in the kitchen, test their smoke alarms and take simple precautions that can help prevent a home fire.”

Home fires remain the nation’s most frequent disaster and Thanksgiving consistently ranks as the leading day of the year for cooking fires. With more people cooking large meals, entertaining guests and traveling to visit loved ones, the Red Cross encourages families to take steps now to reduce fire risks and be prepared to respond in an emergency.

Learn lifesaving skills that can make a critical difference when seconds count.  Find a class near you at redcross.org/takeaclass.

COOKING SAFETY TIPS: Now, turn your attention to the kitchen and follow these Red Cross steps as you prepare the Thanksgiving feast:

1. Stay in the kitchen while using the stovetop or oven. If you must leave the kitchen for even a short period of time, turn off the stove or oven.

2. Avoid wearing loose clothing or dangling sleeves while cooking, and keep things like potholders, oven mitts, wooden utensils, paper or plastic bags, food packaging and towels or curtains away from your stove top and oven or any other appliance that generates heat.

3. Keep kids and pets at least three feet away from cooking areas.

4. Consider purchasing a fire extinguisher to keep in your kitchen.

5. Frying your turkey this year? Never use a fryer near your house or other structure. Place the fryer on a flat, even surface. Never fry a turkey that’s not fully thawed.

TRAVEL SAFELY: Are you one of the millions of people who are traveling over the holiday? Here are five steps to help keep you safe as you travel:

1. Make sure your car is in good condition for a road trip.

2. Check the weather before departing and along your route. Plan for travel around any storms that may be coming. Share travel plans with a family member or friend.

3. Pack an emergency preparedness kit, supplies and a first aid kit in your vehicle.

4. Buckle up, slow down and don’t drive impaired

5. Avoid distractions such as cell phones. Be well rested and alert. Make frequent stops. During long trips, rotate drivers. If you’re too tired to drive, stop and get some rest.