Thanksgiving is the day with the highest number of home cooking fires in the United States, according to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA). As local families prepare for holiday meals, James City County’s Fire Department is encouraging residents to prioritize fire safety.
The NFPA reports that U.S. fire departments respond to over 1,400 cooking-related fires each Thanksgiving. The main cause is unattended cooking.
The NFPA recommends several precautions: “Stay in the kitchen when cooking on the stovetop so you can keep an eye on the food. Stay at home when cooking your turkey and check on it frequently. Keep children and pets at least 3 feet away from the stove and hot food or liquids. Keep flammable items like oven mitts, wooden utensils, food packaging, and towels away from the stovetop. Make sure your smoke alarms are working. Test them by pushing the test button. Replace smoke alarms every ten years. Never use a turkey fryer with oil indoors or on wooden decks. Consider using an oil-less fryer or purchasing a cooked turkey from a local store or restaurant.”
In case of a small grease fire, officials advise: “If a small grease fire starts in a pan, slide a cookie sheet over the pan and turn off the burner. Leave the pan covered until it is completely cool. Never use water to extinguish a grease fire. If you have any doubt, get out and call 9-1-1. Close the door behind you to help contain the fire.”
For additional guidance on holiday fire prevention, more information can be found at www.nfpa.org/thanksgiving.
