Thanksgiving safety tips to avoid fires, clogged drains and more this holiday
If there's one sure way to ruin Thanksgiving, it's having to call a plumber − or worse, the fire department.
For all of its food, family and fun, Turkey Day can also be full of pitfalls.
Two New Jersey groups are offering tips to keep your holiday safe and headache-free.
More: Don't know what to do with Thanksgiving leftovers? We have lots of ideas (and recipes)
Dispose of oil, grease
New Jersey American Water wants people to remember to "give thanks, not clogs."
The utility company says that when fats, oils and grease (FOGs) are poured down the drain and into the sewer system they can cause costly problems for homeowners and health impacts to the water system.
When washed down the sink, FOGs turn into thick sludge as they cool, American Water says. This sludge sticks to pipe interiors, and dishwashing detergents and garbage disposals don't have the ability to properly break down the material. Eventually, this causes sewer blockages, backups and overflows that pose potential health and environmental hazards.
“Rinsing food scraps and FOGs down the drain may seem like the easiest way to quickly clean up after a holiday feast, but it can lead to costly and time-consuming plumbing repairs,” said Stephen Karpinski, senior supervisor of Statewide Sewer Operations at New Jersey American Water. “Taking extra steps to dispose of these materials properly will help minimize the risk of damaging your residential plumbing as well as our wastewater distribution system as a whole.”
New Jersey American Water offers the following tips:
The answer is not at your disposal: No matter how powerful your garbage disposal may be, it can’t prevent FOGs from sticking to your pipes. Never rinse FOGs down the drain.
Strain it, don’t drain it: To keep food scraps out of pipes, install a basket or strainer in the drain and empty the trapped pieces into the trash.
Let’s talk trash: Scrape all food scraps and FOGs from plates, pots, and utensils into the trash before washing.
Fire safety tips
Whether you're cooking on the stovetop or frying your turkey outside, Thanksgiving is prime time for accidental fires.
To help prevent tragedies, the Lakewood Fire Department offers the following Thanksgiving fire safety tips:
Safe cooking practices: Ensure that someone is always present in the kitchen while cooking. Keep flammable items, such as dish towels and oven mitts, away from the stovetop. Use a timer as a reminder when cooking dishes that require longer preparation.
Deep-frying turkey: If you plan to deep-fry a turkey, do so outdoors and keep the fryer a safe distance away from the house and other structures. Make sure the turkey is completely thawed and dry before submerging it in hot oil.
Smoke alarms and carbon monoxide: Ensure your smoke alarms and CO alarms are in working order. Test them before the holiday and change the batteries if necessary.
Candles: If you use candles as part of your Thanksgiving decorations, keep them away from flammable materials and never leave them unattended.
Fireplace safety: If you have a fireplace, use a fireplace screen to prevent sparks from escaping. Dispose of ashes in a metal container and store it outdoors.
Escape plan: Discuss a fire escape plan with your family, including two ways to exit each room. Make sure everyone knows where to meet outside in case of a fire.
"We want everyone in our community to enjoy a wonderful Thanksgiving holiday without the worry of fire-related incidents. By following these safety tips, we can reduce the risk and ensure a safe and memorable celebration," Lakewood Fire Department Chief Jonathan T. Yahr said.
For more information and additional fire safety resources, visit lakewoodfd.org and click on the safety page or contact the Lakewood Fire Department at 732-364-5151.
This article originally appeared on Asbury Park Press: Thanksgiving safety tips for disposing of grease, deep frying turkey
