Category: Safety Tips

Cooking fires are a real risk on Thanksgiving as well as any other time of the year. Remember some safety rules!

• Deep fry your turkey outside on level ground away from the house, deck or overhang.
• Do not overfill the pot with oil. Read the instructions.
• Be sure your bird is thoroughly thawed and as dry as possible. Water or ice will cause the oil to “boil-over”
• If fire breaks out in the oven, close the door of the oven and call the fire department. The oven door will cut off oxygen the fire needs.
• Turn pot handles on the stove inward to prevent spills. Keep small children and pets away from the hot appliances.
• Do not wear loose sleeves or clothing when near a stovetop or grill. Prevent being burned by clothing catching fire.
• As always have a working fire extinguisher, working smoke detectors, and an exit plan to protect your home and family. Be sure smoke detectors work where ever you are spending the night!

Have a happy and safe Thanksgiving from the Chesterfield Fire Department!!

Dangers Of Turkey Fryers – Is The Taste Worth The Risk?

Cooking fires is the number one cause of home fires and injuries in the U.S. and with Thanksgiving being the peak day for cooking, it’s imperative that cooking and kitchen safety are key ingredients to a successful and festive feast on Thanksgiving Day.

According to U.S. Fire Administration (USFA), each year, in the U.S., there are approximately 2,000 home fires that occur on Thanksgiving Day resulting in deaths, injuries and millions in property loss. One contributor of those fires is turkey frying.  Over the years, turkey frying has become extremely popular during the holiday season. Retailers anxious to capture the market during this brief and prosperous holiday season, stock their shelves with turkey fryers and although the industry has made great strides in the improvement of turkey fryers, the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) states that they still are not safe to use due to the amount of oil and high temperatures used to cook a turkey.  Even well-informed and careful consumers are at risk when using this product.  The use of outdoor gas-fueled turkey fryers is discouraged by the NFPA unless used by properly trained professionals such as grocery stores, specialty food retailers and restaurants, who use professional quality equipment.  Below are the dangers associated with turkey fryers:

• Hot oil can spill or splash over onto the flame igniting a fire.  This can occur during the cooking process especially when placing the turkey in the fryer or when removing it.
• Fryers designed for outdoor use with or without a stand are prone to collapse causing a major hot oil spill.
• Cooking oil is combustible.  If heated beyond its cooking temperature (375°), its vapors can ignite.
• Steam can result from hot cooking oil exposed to snow or rain causing a splattering of the hot oil leading to burns.
• The use of turkey fryers in close quarters poses a burn hazard/danger to children and others in the home. Oil inside a pot can stay dangerously hot for hours after use.
• DO NOT use in, on or under a garage, deck, breezeway, porch, barn or any structure that can catch fire.
• Frozen or partially frozen turkeys, when cooked, will cause the hot oil to splatter or produce hot steam leading to burns.
• Call 911 immediately should a fire occur!
• NEVER use water to extinguish a grease fire!

When the serene soundscape of our community is pierced by the wail of tornado sirens, it’s a stark reminder of nature’s formidable power. Tornadoes, often unpredictable and swift, pose significant threats to life and property. In such moments, knowing how to respond swiftly and decisively can make a crucial difference. Understanding tornado sirens and the associated safety protocols is paramount to ensuring the well-being of individuals and communities.

Don’t be alarmed if you hear tornado sirens today, as there will be tests occurring throughout the state March 20th at 1:00PM.  However, Macomb County will not be testing/sounding alarms today, as they are tested monthly all year long.

What Are Tornado Sirens?

Tornado sirens, also known as tornado warning sirens or civil defense sirens, are loud, high-pitched devices used to alert communities of impending tornadoes or severe weather conditions. Typically mounted on large poles or rooftops, these sirens emit a distinct sound designed to grab attention and prompt immediate action.

What Do Tornado Sirens Signify?

The activation of tornado sirens indicates that a tornado warning has been issued for the area. Tornado warnings are issued by meteorological agencies, such as the National Weather Service (NWS), when radar data or reliable spotters confirm the presence of a tornado or conditions conducive to tornado formation. It’s important to note that tornado sirens are not meant to be heard indoors; instead, they serve as an outdoor warning system.

What to Do When Tornado Sirens Sound

1. Take Immediate Shelter: Upon hearing tornado sirens, seek shelter immediately. If you’re indoors, move to the lowest level of the building, preferably a basement or storm cellar. If there is no basement, seek shelter in an interior room or hallway on the lowest floor, away from windows.
2. Stay Informed: Tune in to local weather broadcasts or use weather alert apps to stay updated on the situation. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Weather Radio also provides continuous broadcasts of weather information, including tornado warnings.
3. Have a Plan: Develop a tornado emergency plan for your household or workplace. Ensure that everyone knows where to go and what to do in the event of a tornado. Conduct regular drills to practice these procedures.
4. Stay Put: Once you’re in a safe location, stay there until the tornado warning has expired or you receive an official “all clear” notification from local authorities. Avoid going outside to check the weather or watch for tornadoes, as this can put you at risk.
5. Protect Yourself: If you’re caught outdoors and unable to reach shelter, seek low-lying ground away from vehicles, trees, and other potential hazards. Lie flat in a ditch or depression and cover your head with your hands for protection.
6. Assist Others: Check on neighbors, especially those who may need assistance, such as elderly individuals or people with disabilities. Offer help if it’s safe to do so, but prioritize your own safety.

Tornado sirens serve as vital warning systems, signaling the imminent danger posed by tornadoes. Understanding their significance and knowing how to respond promptly and appropriately can help save lives and minimize the impact of these destructive natural phenomena. By taking proactive measures, staying informed, and having a clear plan of action, individuals and communities can better protect themselves against the ravages of tornadoes. Remember, when tornado sirens sound, it’s time to take shelter and stay safe.

Join the Chesterfield Fire Department for Fire Fighter Friday, a special online series in which we share some information about what we do and the tools of the trade.