Incline Village, NV — As families across Incline Village and Crystal Bay prepare for Thanksgiving, the North Lake Tahoe Fire Protection District (NLTFPD) is reminding the community to keep safety at the forefront—especially in the kitchen, where holiday activity is at its peak.
According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), Thanksgiving is the leading day of the year for home fires involving cooking equipment. Many of these incidents can be prevented with simple safety precautions.
Top Thanksgiving Cooking Safety Tips
Drawing from NFPA’s recommended best practices, NLTFPD encourages residents to follow these guidelines:
- Stay in the kitchen when cooking on the stovetop to keep an eye on food.
- Remain at home when roasting your turkey, checking it frequently.
- Keep children at least 3 feet away from the stove and hot food or liquids that could cause burns.
- Clear the area of toys, pocketbooks, and bags to avoid tripping hazards.
- Keep sharp objects out of reach of children.
- Ensure electric cords from appliances are secured and not dangling off counters.
- Store matches and lighters out of children’s reach, ideally locked away.
- Never leave children unattended in a room with a lit candle.
- Test smoke alarms before cooking to make sure they are functioning properly.
Engage Kids Safely
Holiday preparations can be exciting for young helpers. Provide activities—such as games, books, or kid-friendly recipes outside the kitchen—to keep them safely occupied during the busiest cooking hours.
A Message from NLTFPD
“Holiday traditions should be memorable for the right reasons,” said Fire Marshal James. “By staying attentive and practicing simple safety steps, our community can enjoy a safe and joyful Thanksgiving.”
For more heating safety information and resources, visit:
https://www.nfpa.org/education-and-research/home-fire-safety/thanksgiving#safety-tips
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