As Thanksgiving approaches, the Lookingglass Rural Fire District would like to wish our entire community a happy, healthy, and safe holiday. While tomorrow is a day to gather with family and friends, it is also one of the busiest days of the year for home fires—particularly those involving cooking. With colder weather settling in, heating-related hazards also increase. We encourage everyone to take a few moments to review important safety practices to help ensure a safe celebration.

Cooking Safety

Cooking remains the leading cause of home fires on Thanksgiving. To reduce the risk of accidents:

• Stay in the kitchen when preparing food on the stovetop.
• Keep flammable items—such as towels, packaging, and potholders—away from heat sources.
• Turn pot handles inward to reduce the chance of spills or burns.
• Maintain a three-foot safety zone around cooking areas for children and pets.
• For grease fires, smother the flames with a lid and turn off the heat. Never use water on a grease fire.

Turkey Fryer Safety

Turkey fryers continue to pose a significant fire risk if not used correctly. Always remember:

• Operate fryers outdoors on a flat, non-combustible surface.
• Ensure the turkey is fully thawed and completely dry before lowering it into hot oil.
• Check the oil level ahead of time to prevent overflow.
• Wear protective gloves and use caution when handling equipment.
• Never leave a turkey fryer unattended.

Home Heating Safety

With temperatures dropping, safe use of home heating systems is essential:

• Keep anything that can burn at least three feet away from fireplaces, wood stoves, and space heaters.
• Only use certified and approved heating devices.
• Plug space heaters directly into wall outlets—avoid extension cords and power strips.
• Have chimneys and vents professionally inspected and cleaned annually.
• Test smoke alarms and carbon monoxide alarms to ensure they are functioning properly.

Responsible Holiday Travel

If your Thanksgiving celebrations include alcohol, please plan ahead:

• Designate a sober driver or arrange alternative transportation.
• The safety of our community members and other drivers on the roadway depends on responsible decision-making.

LRFD Holiday Response Notice

Although our station is not staffed, Lookingglass Rural Fire District volunteers will continue responding to emergencies throughout the holiday, just as we do every day of the year.

• If you need assistance, call 911 immediately.
• Our volunteers will be dispatched and will respond as quickly as possible.

A Message From LRFD

From all of us at the Lookingglass Rural Fire District, we extend our heartfelt thanks for your continued support and trust. We wish you and your loved ones a warm, joyful, and safe Thanksgiving holiday.

If you ever have questions about fire safety, preparedness, or our services, please reach out. We are proud to serve this community.