Cooking Fire Safety Tips You Can Be Thankful For

12/6/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Bear/New Castle can make a holiday cooking fire "Like it never even happened"

Thanksgiving is the nation’s leading day for cooking fires. According to the National Fire Protection Association, the number of cooking fires on Thanksgiving is three times as high as on any other day of the year.

In addition to the hazards posed by stovetops, turkey fryers and candles contribute to the elevated fire risk. When following a few basic precautions, preventing a cooking fires is simple. Remember, while you should always have a fire-extinguisher nearby and know how to use it, don’t delay calling 9-1-1. Ideally, use the extinguisher immediately, as someone else calls 9-1-1.

Stovetops and Ovens

It’s easy to become distracted when preparing several dishes at once while also trying to entertain guests. Cooking fires can easily be prevented by following a few simple precautions:

• Clean your stove and oven. Remove food and grease buildup from burners, stovetop and oven.
• Stay in the kitchen when cooking on the stovetop.
• Stay in the home when cooking a turkey, set a timer, and check on it frequently.
• Keep children away from the stove.
• Have a flame-resistant oven mitt, potholder or lid nearby to smother any flames.
• If you have an oven fire, turn off the heat and keep the oven door closed.
• Check to make sure your smoke alarms are working properly and have an escape plan that the entire family knows if there is a fire.

Turkey Fryers

Never use a turkey fryer indoors, in the garage or on a covered patio because of the fire hazard. Many turkey fires occur while the oil is being heated. Fryers can easily tip over, spilling scalding hot oil, leading to fires, burns or other injuries. Since most fryers do not have automatic thermostatic controls, oil may heat until it catches fire. The sides, lids, and handles get extremely hot and may cause burns.

Turkey Frying Safety Tips:

• Read and follow the manufacturer’s guidelines.
• Completely thaw the turkey.
• Do not overfill the fryer with oil. Before filling the fryer with oil, test it out with water. Place the turkey inside and then fill it with water until the bird is submerged. Mark the water line on the fryer so you will know how much oil to put in the fryer.
• Never leave the fryer unattended.
• Keep children and pets away from the fryer.
• Only use the oil recommended by the manufacturer.
• Allow at least two feet of space between the liquid propane tank and the fryer burner.
• Potholders or oven mitts should be well-insulated; wear safety goggles to protect eyes from oil splatter.
• If oil begins to smoke, immediately turn OFF the gas supply.
• Keep an all-purpose fire extinguisher nearby.
• Never use water to extinguish a grease fire.

Candles

Candles are responsible for an estimated 15,600 residential fires a year, causing 150 deaths, 1,270 injuries, and $539 million in property damage. More than half of candle fires are a result of a candle being placed too close to flammable holiday decorations. Always keep children in mind when decorating.

Cooking Fire Putting A Damper On Your Holiday Fun? Call SERVPRO of Bear/New Castle – (302) 392-6000

Why Choose SERVPRO of Bear/New Castle

SERVPRO of Bear/New Castle is here to minimize the effects of a fire on both your home and your life. Our certified professionals are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week with specialized equipment, expertise, and empathy to get you through this crisis.