Let’s Talk Turkey – the Safe Way!

by

Chief Sam DiGiovanna


Photo courtesy Landon Jensen.


Thanksgiving signifies the beginning of the Holiday Season and many of us will be spending more time in the kitchen preparing for the holidays. But we do have to limit gatherings due to Covid-19.

There are more in-home fires during the holiday season than at any other time of the year, according to data from the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA). Thanksgiving is the single worst day for fires!

This is an important Public Service Announcement that is our responsibility to get out to our communities.

Let’s learn and share some facts about cooking fire safety:

Be careful wearing loose clothing around open flames on the stove

Use a timer and use “post it’s” to remind yourself of cooking times in the oven

Be careful using candles at the dinner table (especially if toddlers are present)

Use oven and mitts when handling hot pots and pans

Do not cool hot pans with water if grease is in them

Have a fire extinguisher near-by and know how to use it.

Stay alert. If you are sleepy or have consumed alcohol, don’t use the stove or stove top.

Is that smoke detector properly working?

If you have a cooking fire…

Just get out! When you leave, close the door behind you to help contain the fire.





About Chief Sam DiGiovanna

Sam DiGiovanna is a 33-year fire service veteran. He started with the Los Angeles County Fire Department, served as fire chief at the Monrovia Fire Department and currently serves as chief at the Verdugo Fire Academy in Glendale, Calif. In addition, he is a regular contributor to NBC News 4 Los Angeles.  Sam also serves as Executive Vice President of Fire Operations at CORDICO INC.