Thanksgiving Safety Tips: How To Avoid Fires In MD This Holiday Season

MARYLAND — Thanksgiving is nearly here and as Marylanders gather with friends and family over the holiday, it's important to keep safety in mind.

Thanksgiving is the No. 1 day each year for cooking fires with more than three times the daily average for such incidents, according to the National Fire Prevention Association. Christmas Day and Christmas Eve ranked second and third, with both having nearly twice the daily average.

As a result, Maryland fire officials are urging families to take precautions this Turkey Day.

"Thanksgiving is a time for gathering, but it also increases the risk of home fires due to cooking," Acting State Fire Marshal Jason Mowbray said in a statement. "Test your smoke alarms and keep a watchful eye in the kitchen. A little precaution today can prevent a disaster tomorrow."

The Office of the Maryland State Fire Marshal offered these tips for a safe and enjoyable Thanksgiving:

• Test your smoke alarms to ensure they are working properly. Additionally, ensure your guests are aware of all available exits if a fire occurs and have them meet at a designated location outside.
• Unattended cooking is the leading cause of kitchen fires. When cooking on the stovetop, stay in the kitchen to watch the food.
• Establish a 3-foot "Kids & Pets Free Zone" around any area where hot foods or drinks are prepared. Have activities that keep kids out of the kitchen during this busy time or allow them to help prepare recipes that can be made outside of the kitchen area.
• Keep a lid nearby when you are cooking to smother small grease fires. Smother the fire by sliding the lid over the pan, turning off the burner and then leaving the pan covered until it has cooled.
• Keep anything combustible — oven mitts, wooden utensils, food packaging, towels, etc. — away from the stovetop.
• Eliminate clutter in the kitchen. A clean work area allows for better efficiency and fewer chances for mishaps.
• Keep matches and lighters out of reach of curious children's hands.
• Do not leave lit candles unattended or in places where children or pets could knock them over.

Turkey Fryer Safety

• Many turkey fryer appliances can be easily tipped, allowing hot oil to spill. Ensure you place them on a hard, level and non-combustible outdoor surface.
• Do not place a turkey fryer under an overhang or temporary roof. A flare-up can easily ignite materials above the appliance.
• Partially frozen turkeys can cause a spillover and result in a flare-up. Thoroughly thaw the turkey before cooking.
• Turn off the burner before placing the turkey in the container. Reignite the burner after you are sure it is safe to do so.
• Always monitor the temperature of the oil. It can easily reach temperatures to the point of combustion.
• Be careful not to overfill the fryer. Follow the manufacturer's guidelines for proper filling levels.
• The handles and lid will get dangerously hot. Use well-insulated potholders or oven mitts.
• Never leave the fryer unattended while cooking. Keep an all-purpose fire extinguisher on hand. Do not use water in an attempt to extinguish a grease fire.