The official end of the Atlantic Hurricane season is Saturday, but the Red Cross said there’s another “season” to look out for.
Even with temperatures dipping into the 40s in Florida, the Red Cross said that “fire season” is upon us.
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It’s a time of year when families get adventurous in the kitchen and those cool temperatures call for the heater. But if people aren’t careful things could light up fast.
“We want families to be safe and enjoy their time with their families and friends,” Liz Lawrence, a volunteer with the Red Cross said.
Lawrence was out in Duval County as thousands of families got supplies for their Thanksgiving tables. But instead, she was handing out a reminder.
“So with the holidays,” she said. “There’s a lot of things changing. We’re coming to the end of hurricane season. We want families to be able to stay safe in their homes.”
And it starts at home on Thanksgiving.
The Red Cross said it’s important to be patient and pay attention.
Here are some of their cooking tips:
Cook with care.
- Do not wear loose clothing; it can be ignited by hot burners. Always turn pot handles inward. Don’t store items on the stovetop and keep appliances clean and in good condition
Be alert.
- Stay in the kitchen while you are cooking and be alert. Keep anything flammable - such as pot holders, towels, or curtains - away from your stovetop. Have a “kid-free zone” of at least three feet around the stove and areas where hot food or drinks are prepared or carried.
But these warnings extend beyond Thanksgiving week.
The National Fire Protection Association said each year in the United States about 150 home fires involve Christmas Trees.
Another nearly 790 start when decorations catch on fire.
Here are some Red Cross decoration tips:
Don’t block exits.
- Place your tree in a non-tip style stand with wide feet, using extra wires if needed to keep it steady. Keep doorways and exits clear.
Keep trees fresh.
- Place the tree away from heat sources and water it daily. If you purchase an artificial tree, be sure it’s labeled as fire-retardant. If you plan to hang stockings from your fireplace, do not use the fireplace for fires.
Beware of holiday lighting.
- Be sure candles are kept away from decorations or other combustible materials. Don’t leave children unattended in a room with lit candles, and always keep candles, as well as matches and lighters, out of reach of children.
Pets and decorations don’t mix.
- Most pets are curious by nature, so they will want to check out any additions to the decor. Keep electrical cords tucked away and other decorations or holiday plants out of reach. Watch out for dangling objects that can be pulled down and cause injury. Also, if you have a tree, don’t let your pets drink the tree water - it can make them sick.
In general, it’s recommended to have a plan should a fire start. Families should know where a fire extinguisher is and how to use it.
And if things escalate, have an exit plan and know where to meet with family.