FRANKFORT, Ky. (Nov. 22, 2016) – The Kentucky State Fire Marshal’s office has released cooking fire prevention safety tips for Kentuckians during the holiday season. Thanksgiving is the leading day for home cooking fires, according to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA). In 2013, U.S. firefighters responded to approximately 1,550 home fires on Thanksgiving Day, an increase of 230 percent from the average daily number.
“During the Thanksgiving holiday, we are urging Kentuckians to be diligent and to stay near the stove when cooking. Unattended cooking equipment is the leading cause of home cooking fires,” stated Kentucky Fire Marshal Mike Haney. “Following basic cooking safety tips can prevent fires from occurring in your home this holiday season.”
The Kentucky Fire Marshal’s office recommends the following cooking safety tips:
• Stay in the kitchen when cooking and monitor all cooking equipment.
• When cooking a turkey, remain in your home and check on the turkey frequently.
• Allow hot liquids and foods to cool. The steam or splash from these items can cause serious burns.
• Test the smoke alarms in your home.
• Keep your kitchen floor clear for easy mobility and to prevent falls.
• Keep children at least three feet away from a hot stove.
• Do not allow electric cords (such as those from an electric knife, coffee maker, plate warmer, or mixer) to be within reach of a child.
• Keep matches and utility lighters out of the reach of children by placing them in a locked cabinet.
• Never leave children alone in a room with a lit candle.
If a cooking fire occurs in your home:
• Keep a lid nearby to smother small grease fires. Smother the fire by sliding the lid over the pan and turning off the stovetop. Leave the pan covered until it is completely cooled.
• For an oven fire, turn off the heat and keep the door closed.
• Remember that “when in doubt, just get out!” When you leave, close the door behind you to help contain the fire.
• Ensure others are getting away from the fire and that you have a clear way out.
• Call 9-1-1 after evacuating.
State fire officials discourage the use of outdoor gas-fueled turkey fryers that require immersion of the turkey in hot oil. These turkey fryers use a substantial quantity of cooking oil – approximately five gallons – at high temperatures and can increase the risk of a hot oil release during the cooking process. Improper use of turkey fryers can lead to injury, including significant burns, and property destruction.
The Kentucky Fire Marshal’s office in the Division of Fire Prevention is an agency of the Department of Housing, Buildings, and Construction within the Public Protection Cabinet. Additional fire prevention safety tips are available on the agency’s website at http://dhbc.ky.gov/sfm/Pages/Safety.aspx