With Thanksgiving approaching, Acadian Ambulance is reminding families to follow simple safety tips to avoid fires or injuries and enjoy time with loved ones.

According to the National Fire Protection Association, on Thanksgiving Day alone, an estimated 1,446 home cooking fires were reported to U.S fire departments in 2023, reflecting 388 percent of the daily average.

General Safety

Stay in the kitchen when cooking and check the food often.

Keep children at least three feet from the stove and hot foods/liquids.

Keep knives, matches, lighters, and appliance cords out of children’s reach.

Never leave children or pets alone with lit candles.

Keep floors clear and test smoke alarms.

Turkey Fryer Safety

Never leave the fryer unattended; keep children and pets away.

Wear eye protection and heat-resistant gloves.

Completely defrost and dry the turkey before frying.

Keep a grease-related fire extinguisher nearby.

Use the fryer outdoors, away from structures, trees, rain, or snow.

Set on a level surface and don’t move it once heated.

Keep the propane tank and burner separated.

Turn off the burner if oil smokes before lowering the turkey.

Let the oil cool overnight before disposing.

Acadian Ambulance is the largest employee-owned ambulance service in the nation, providing transportation and medical services to areas in Louisiana, Texas, Mississippi, and Tennessee. It is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Ambulance Services, and a member of the American Ambulance Association, dedicated to safeguarding the future of mobile healthcare through advocacy, thought leadership, and education. Its sister division, Acadian Air Med, is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Medical Transport Systems.