{"type":"rich","version":"1.0","provider_name":"Transistor","provider_url":"https://transistor.fm","author_name":"WJFF - The Local Edition - Special Report ","title":"How to Stay Fire-Safe This Thanksgiving: Sullivan County Fire Coordinator Shares Essential Tips","html":"","width":"100%","height":180,"duration":381,"description":"Thanksgiving is one of the biggest cooking days of the year—and one of the most dangerous. Between crowded kitchens, deep-fried turkeys, candles, fireplaces, and heavy holiday travel, the risk of fires and accidents spikes heading into the holiday weekend.To help keep families safe, Radio Catskill’s Patricio Robayo spoke with John Hauschild, Sullivan County’s Deputy Commissioner of Public Safety and Fire Coordinator. He shared practical tips to help avoid common Thanksgiving hazards, from deep-frying disasters to kitchen fires and dangerous late-night drives.Deep-Frying a Turkey? Be Careful. Very Careful.Hauschild says deep-fried turkeys may taste amazing, but they’re one of the top causes of holiday fires.The biggest danger? Hot oil overflowing when the turkey is lowered in.“People put too much grease in the pot, and when they drop the turkey in, it spills over and bursts into flames,” Hauschild explains.That becomes especially dangerous when fryers are used in garages, on decks, or near houses, where flames can quickly spread.His advice:Always deep fry outdoors, on level ground, far away from buildings.Make sure the turkey is fully thawed and dry before cooking.Lower it into the oil slowly to avoid splashing and burns.“And remember,” he says, “you can get burned yourself if you’re not careful.”Heavy Holiday Travel: Slow Down and Stay SoberThanksgiving is consistently one of the busiest travel days of the year, and Hauschild urges drivers to take it seriously.“It’s a high-volume traffic day. People are on the road visiting family, and they need to obey the speed limit and be cautious,” he says.He also warns that drinking with family can lead to risky nighttime drives.Add unpredictable late-November weather—rain, ice, even early snow—and the risk increases.Hauschild’s message is simple: Enjoy yourself, but be responsible. A split second is all it takes for something to go wrong.Candles and Decorations: Simple Traditions, Serious RisksCandles are a holiday...","thumbnail_url":"https://img.transistorcdn.com/TkWk810yAVYBI5gGBQjc8yu_rKePptJOGyWkf8v02b4/rs:fill:0:0:1/w:400/h:400/q:60/mb:500000/aHR0cHM6Ly9pbWct/dXBsb2FkLXByb2R1/Y3Rpb24udHJhbnNp/c3Rvci5mbS9zaG93/LzMzNzA1LzE2NjE5/MTExNTEtYXJ0d29y/ay5qcGc.webp","thumbnail_width":300,"thumbnail_height":300}