How To Avoid Thanksgiving Home Cooking Fire

ANNE ARUNDEL, MD - From Anne Arundel County Fire Department: When most of us think about Thanksgiving, images of turkey, stuffing, and time spent with loved ones typically come to mind, not fire hazards. However, an increased risk of fire is, in fact, a reality of Thanksgiving. Cooking is the number one cause of home fires and home injuries, and three times as many home cooking fires occur on Thanksgiving as on a typical day.

Latest estimates from the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) show that there were 1,570 cooking fires on Thanksgiving in 2016, reflecting a 230 percent increase over the daily average. Thanksgiving is the peak day for home cooking fires, followed by Christmas Day, Christmas Eve, and the day before Thanksgiving. Unattended cooking is the leading cause of these fires. Stay in the kitchen when you are cooking on the stove top so you can keep an eye on the food.

Here are some of the NFPA’s tips for safe cooking this Thanksgiving:

• Remain in the kitchen while you’re cooking, and keep a close eye on what you fry! Always stay in the kitchen while frying, grilling or broiling food. If you have to leave the kitchen for even a short period, turn off the stove. Regularly check on food that’s simmering, baking or roasting, and use a timer to remind you that you’re cooking.
• Keep things that can catch fire such as oven mitts, wooden utensils, food packaging, towels and curtains away from the cooking area.
• f you have a small grease cooking fire on the stovetop, smother the flames by sliding a lid over the pan and turning off the burner. Leave the pan covered until it is cooled completely.
• For an oven fire, turn off the heat and keep the door closed. If you’re cooking a turkey using a disposable aluminum pan, consider doubling up and using two pans to avoid a puncture, as dripping turkey juices can cause an oven fire.
• Be alert when cooking. If you're sleepy or have consumed alcohol, don’t use the stove or stovetop.

Some fire safety practices are good year round. Install and ensure operation of smoke alarms inside and outside each bedroom and sleeping area. Install alarms on every level of the home, including the basement. If you are hosting guests in your home this year, make sure that they know the escape plan and safe meeting area for your home. If you are a guest in someone’s home, know theirs.

Following these simple guidelines for fire and life safety will help to ensure a tragedy-free holiday meal.

Image via Anne Arundel County Fire Department