Thanksgiving is a time of celebration, and cooking is a highlight as millions of people across the United States come together to share food and fellowship, according to officials with the Borough of Waynesboro Fire Department.
But cooking is by far the leading cause of residential structure fires on Thanksgiving Day, occurring nearly 2.3 times more than on any other day of the year. According to the United States Fire Administration, each year nearly 2,300 fires occur on Thanksgiving Day causing an average of five deaths, approximately 25 injuries and nearly $26 million in property damage.
Cooking safety tips for the kitchen:
– Wear short, close fitting or tightly rolled up sleeves when cooking. Loose clothing can dangle onto stove top burners and catch fire.
– Stay in the kitchen when frying, grilling or broiling food. If you leave the kitchen, even for a short time, turn off the stove.
– Keep anything that can catch fire, e.g. potholders, towels and such away from the stovetop.
– Have a “Kid-Free Zone” of at least three feet around the stove and areas where hot food or drink is prepared or carried.
– Always keep an oven mitt and lid nearby when you are cooking. If a small grease fire starts in a pan, put on an oven mitt and smother the flames by carefully sliding the lid over the pan. Turn off the burner. Do not remove the lid until it is completely cool.
– If there is an oven fire, turn off the heat and keep the door closed to prevent flames from burning you and your clothing. Have the oven serviced before you use it again.
If you use a turkey fryer here are some tips for safer use:
– Turkey fryers should always be used outdoors at a safe distance from the house and anything else that may burn.
– Never use turkey fryers on wooden decks or inside garages.
– Make sure turkey fryers are used on a flat surface to reduce accidental tipping.
– Never leave the fryer unattended. Most units do not have thermostat controls. If you don’t watch the fryer carefully, the oil will continue to heat until it catches fire.
– Never let children or pets near the fryer when in use. Even after use, never allow children or pets near the turkey fryer. The oil inside the cooking pot can remain dangerously hot for hours after use.
– Avoid oil spillovers by not overfilling the fryer.
– Use well-insulated potholders or oven mitts when touching pot or lid handles. If possible, wear safety googles to protect your eyes from oil splatter.
– The National Turkey Federation recommends refrigerator thawing, and to allow approximately 24 hours for every five pounds of bird thawed in the refrigerator.
– Keep an all-purpose fire extinguisher nearby. Never use water to extinguish a grease fire. Remember to use your best judgement when attempting to fight a fire. If the fire is manageable, use an all-purpose fire extinguisher. If the fire increases, immediately dial 9-1-1.
Never hesitate to call 9-1-1 for any situation when you fear for your or someone else’s safety. The Borough Fire Department of Waynesboro is here to serve and protect you and your property. Have a Happy, and safe, Thanksgiving.
