Don’t burn the turkey this Thanksgiving and try not to burn anything else.
“Thanksgiving, followed by Christmas and New Years are the peak times for cooking fires,” said Attala County fire chief Danny Townsend.
More kitchen fires happen on Thanksgiving Day than any other day of the year. That’s according to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA).
Townsend said the best advice is to be aware and pay attention while you are cooking.
“If you’re going to be cooking, stay in the kitchen and don’t get distracted by your guests.”
A number of fires on Thanksgiving Day are caused by deep fryers.
“You should never use those inside or under a covered patio,” said Townsend. “Be sure your turkey is thawed out. If it’s frozen or partially frozen and you put it in the hot cooking oil, it’s going to boil over.”
But what should you do if there is a fire in your home this holiday season?
“If you have a fire extinguisher, you can put it out with that or if you feel comfortable sliding a cookie sheet or a lid over the skillet, just slide it across and let it drop down on it, but if you don’t feel comfortable doing that, the best thing to is to just get out and call 911.”
Audio: Attala County Fire Chief Danny Townsend Thanksgiving fire safety tips
Thanksgiving fire safety tips from the NFPA:
- Stay in the kitchen when you are cooking on the stove top so you can keep an eye on the food.
- Stay in the home when cooking your turkey, and check on it frequently.
- Keep children away from the stove. The stove will be hot and kids should stay three feet away.
- Make sure kids stay away from hot food and liquids. The steam or splash from vegetables, gravy or coffee could cause serious burns.
- Keep knives out of the reach of children.
- Be sure electric cords from an electric knife, coffee maker, plate warmer or mixer are not dangling off the counter within easy reach of a child.
- Keep matches and utility lighters out of the reach of children — up high in a locked cabinet.
- Never leave children alone in room with a lit candle.
- Keep the floor clear so you don’t trip over kids, toys, pocketbooks or bags.
- Make sure your smoke alarms are working. Test them by pushing the test button.
