Tips To Stay Safe While Cooking Thanksgiving Dinner.
BOCA RATON, FL (BocaNewsNow.com) (Copyright © 2025 MetroDesk Media, LLC) — To quote Dick VanDyke from commercials in the 80s, this is a good time of year to “learn not to burn.”
As holiday preparations heat up across South Florida, Palm Beach County Fire Rescue is urging residents to prioritize safety in the kitchen to prevent festive feasts from turning into tragedies. With increased activity around stoves and ovens, experts recommend establishing a “kid-free zone” of at least three feet around all cooking areas to protect children and pets from hot surfaces. Simple precautions, such as turning pot handles away from walkways and wearing firm-fitting sleeves to avoid catching fire on open flames, can make a significant difference. For those slow-cooking meals, officials advise staying home, checking food frequently, and using multiple timers to stay alert.
In the event of a kitchen mishap, knowing how to react quickly is crucial. Firefighters advise that the most effective way to handle a contained pot or pan fire is to suffocate it by sliding a lid or cookie sheet over the top before turning off the heat. For fires inside ovens, microwaves, or toaster ovens, keep the door closed and cut the power immediately. If a burn occurs, residents should avoid ice, which can damage the skin further. Instead, soak the affected area in room-temperature water for at least 20 minutes until cool, applying first aid cream only after the skin temperature has dropped to prevent trapping heat. Officials also stress the importance of testing smoke and carbon monoxide alarms before the cooking begins.
For those planning to use turkey fryers, which are popular for their speed and flavor but notorious for their risks, extreme caution is required. Firefighters strongly suggest oil-less infrared fryers or purchasing a pre-cooked bird as safer alternatives. However, if a conventional fryer is used, it must be set up outdoors on a flat, paved surface like concrete—never on decks or balconies—and positioned at least 10 feet away from the home, overhangs, or awnings. It is vital to ensure the turkey is fully defrosted and completely dry before immersion, as water can cause a violent oil spillover leading to severe burns.
Proper equipment and attire are the final lines of defense for outdoor frying. Residents should choose fryers with built-in safety features like gas shut-off timers and flame shields, and always check propane tanks and hoses for leaks before ignition. Operators should wear closed-toed shoes, pants, and long insulated flame-retardant gloves for protection. Just like in the kitchen, a three-foot safety zone for children and pets should be enforced around the fryer. By following these guidelines and never leaving the fryer unattended, families can ensure their holiday memories remain happy ones.
