Gilbert, Ariz. – The Gilbert Fire & Rescue Department extends warm wishes to you and your family for a safe, joyful Thanksgiving and a festive start to the holiday season. As celebrations begin, we encourage all residents to keep safety top of mind, whether you’re cooking, decorating, or preparing your home for winter.                                                                             

Cooking Safety Tips: 

According to the National Fire Protection Association, Thanksgiving is the leading day of the year for kitchen and cooking fires. Protect your home and loved ones by following these precautions: 

• Stay in the kitchen while cooking any food on the stovetop. 

• Do not leave your house while cooking the turkey or other items in the oven. 

• Keep children and pets out of the kitchen and away from hot liquids. 

• Turn pot and pan handles away from the edge of the stove. 

 • Pick up tripping hazards such as toys, clothes, and bags from the floor. 

• Never use water to put out a grease fire. 

Turkey Frying Safety Tips: 

Turkey fryers pose significant fire risks. Before heating the oil, be sure to: 

• Properly prepare your turkey by ensuring it is fully defrosted and dry. 

• Do not put a frozen turkey in hot oil.

• Fill the pot with only enough oil to cover the turkey, leaving room for the oil to rise. 

• Fry outdoors on a flat, stable surface away from structures, trees, and anything flammable. 

 • Keep a fire extinguisher within reach. 

• Never leave your fryer unattended. 

 • Dispose of cooking grease properly at the Gilbert Household Hazardous Waste Facility.

Holiday Decorating Safety: 

Fires and injuries can happen during holiday decorating, with over a third of decoration fires caused by candles. Keep your home safe with these tips: 

• Never climb a ladder without someone nearby. 

• Avoid reaching while on a ladder. 

• Keep candles away from decorations, curtains, and anything that can catch fire. 

• Blow out candles before leaving the room or going to bed. 

• Check whether your lights are rated for indoor or outdoor use. 

• Turn off all lights and decorations before going to sleep. 

• Water live Christmas trees regularly to prevent them from drying out. 

Smoke Detector Maintenance: 

Cooler weather is a good reminder to check your smoke detectors. To make sure they work when you need them most: 

• Test detectors monthly. 

• Clean them twice a year. 

• Replace batteries annually. 

• Replace the entire smoke detector every ten years. 

From all of us at Gilbert Fire & Rescue, we hope you stay safe and enjoy a wonderful Thanksgiving and holiday season!