photos courtesy of the City of Hackensack Fire Department
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Hackensack NJ, as the holiday season gets underway, the City of Hackensack Fire Department is already busy, responding to four kitchen fires in the past 10 days. With cooking the leading cause of fires and home injuries, according to the U.S. Fire Administration, the department is urging residents to prioritize safety in the kitchen. Unattended equipment is a primary culprit in these incidents, and the message is clear: stay vigilant and call 911 in case of emergencies.
New Jersey: A Hotspot for Thanksgiving Kitchen Chaos
A recent study by WeGoDating.com places New Jersey at #4 among states with the most Thanksgiving kitchen mishaps. Known for its festive celebrations, the Garden State unfortunately sees one of the highest rates of turkey-related disasters each year.
Hudson County, in particular, leads the state in cooking-related fires, with a staggering 175.7 cooking fires per 100,000 residents annually. Over 74% of residential fires in the county are linked to cooking, underscoring the need for extra care during the holidays.
The 10 States Most Likely to Burn the Turkey
Here’s how New Jersey stacks up against other states prone to Thanksgiving kitchen mishaps:
- Massachusetts – 71%
- New York – 71%
- Delaware – 55%
- New Jersey – 66%
- Washington, D.C. – 58%
- Connecticut – 52%
- Rhode Island – 62%
- Vermont – 36%
- South Carolina – 34%
- West Virginia – 24%
Amy Harris, Editor-in-Chief at WeGoDating.com, offered some advice:
“Thanksgiving is about family, food, and joy—not fire trucks. With a little extra care in the kitchen, you can ensure your holiday is full of warm memories and golden turkeys—not smoke alarms.”
Thanksgiving Kitchen Safety Tips
Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a Thanksgiving first-timer, these tips can help keep your holiday free of kitchen chaos:
Before Thanksgiving
- Test your smoke detectors: Ensure they’re working and have fresh batteries.
- Clean your oven: Remove grease or crumbs to prevent flare-ups.
- Have a fire extinguisher ready: Know its location and how to use it.
- Thaw your turkey properly: A fully thawed bird cooks evenly and avoids grease splatters.
On Thanksgiving Day
- Stay in the kitchen: Never leave your turkey or stovetop unattended.
- Use a meat thermometer: Ensure your turkey reaches 165°F in the thickest part.
- Handle grease fires correctly: Smother flames with baking soda or a lid—never water.
- Keep flammables away: Dish towels, paper, and other combustibles should stay clear of heat sources.
Enjoy a Safe and Delicious Thanksgiving
By following these tips, you can ensure that your Thanksgiving is memorable for all the right reasons. The Hackensack Fire Department and experts at WeGoDating.com remind us that preparation and attention can make all the difference in avoiding holiday disasters.
From all of us here, have a safe and happy Thanksgiving!
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