Fire Prevention Information

Contact Us For more information about fire suppression, please contact the City of Phoenix Fire Department. For more information about fire prevention, please contact the Town Fire Marshal.

Thanksgiving Day Safety Tips - from the National Emergency Training Center Thanksgiving is a holiday that brings friends and family together to share a good meal, conversation and laughter.

But Thanksgiving also comes with several health hazards, including an increased chance of fires, food poisoning and choking. Take a few minutes to review these Thanksgiving Day safety tips, and enjoy the holiday without worry.

1. Fire

The U.S. Fire Administration reports that, on Thanksgiving Day, more than 4,000 fires occur. The average number of cooking fires doubles on the holiday. In addition to installing a fire detector in the kitchen, there are several easy ways to avoid fires:

• Don't leave the kitchen while frying and grilling. Use a timer and do kitchen checks when simmering, baking, broiling and roasting. If deep frying a turkey, keep the fryer outside, away from walls, fences and other structures. Also, keep the fryer away from moisture to avoid burns from steam and spattering oil.
• Keep pot holders and food wrappers 3 feet away from the stove or other hot surfaces. Kids should stay 3 feet away too. Make sure the handles of pots and pans are facing inward. Avoid loose clothes, especially those with long sleeves, while cooking. And make sure all candles and smoking materials are put out after the guests leave.

2. Turkey

Eating undercooked turkey is another Thanksgiving health problem. If a turkey is thawed at a temperature above 40 degrees Fahrenheit, salmonella or other bacteria that cause food poisoning can grow.

Safely cooking a turkey starts with correct defrosting. There are three methods for safe defrosting. The turkey can be thawed in the refrigerator-one day for every 5 lbs. of the bird. The turkey can be submerged in water if it is in leak-proof packaging-30 minutes for every pound. The water should be changed every half hour. It's also safe to defrost a turkey in a microwave. Remove any packaging and follow the manufacturer's instructions.

With all three methods it's important to cook the turkey immediately after thawing. Don't slow cook or partially cook the turkey, and check the temperature with a meat thermometer to determine if it's done. Even if the turkey came with a pop-up thermometer, it's necessary to check the innermost part of the thigh and wing, and the thickest part of the breast. The turkey needs to be at least 165 degrees Fahrenheit (and the stuffing, too). Let the turkey rest before carving. This gives the juices time to set.

3. Choking

The most common cause of choking is talking while eating. If a person is unable to cough, breathe or speak, the first thing to do is call 911. Next, the Red Cross recommends a technique called FIVE-and-FIVE for choking victims.

The first step is giving the choking victim five sharp blows on the back, using the heel of the hand. If the obstruction is not dislodged by this move, the next step is to give the victim five quick, upward abdominal thrusts.

Some people run from the table when they start choking. It's important to stay with other people so they can give assistance. If the victim is alone, he can give himself the five abdominal thrusts using his hand or by pressing his abdomen firmly against the back of a chair.

4. Leftovers

Eating Thanksgiving leftovers that have been improperly stored can also lead to food poisoning. Leftovers need to be put away within two hours after serving the food. (This includes pumpkin pie.) They go in the refrigerator if they are going to be eaten within three days; otherwise they go in the freezer.

Food should be stored in shallow containers. Meat should be removed from the bone before being put away. Reheated leftovers should be cooked to 165 degrees Fahrenheit. Gravy should be brought to a vigorous boil.
Fireplace Safety These are some key safety tips concerning fireplaces:

• Clean the hearth and fireplace regularly
• Do not create a fire that is too big for the fireplace
• Have a qualified person inspect the fireplace and chimney to ensure that it is clean and there are no structural problems
• Inspect and test smoke detectors

Wildfire Information The wildfire danger season is already upon Arizona. Every year our dry climate places our deserts and homes at great risk. Some simple precautions and preparations can greatly reduce your risk of loss due to a wildfire:

• Keep dead grass and weeds cleared at least 30 feet from any building.
• Never stack firewood or anything combustible next to your home.
• Clear dead foliage and fronds from plants and trees surrounding your home.
• Be careful not to allow any vegetation to grow underneath porches or overhangs.
• Hillside residents should pay special attention to the arrangement of vegetation on their lots.
• Residents are reminded that the maintenance of washes on their property is the responsibility of the homeowner.
• Report smoke or fire by calling 9-1-1.