Northshore Fire: Ten Tips for Thanksgiving Fire Safety

Thanksgiving is a time for families and friends to gather for good times and good food. But did you know that cooking is the leading cause of all Thanksgiving Day fires, according to the US Fire Administration? 

Just last year the Northshore Fire Department responded to a home fire caused by a family deep frying a turkey. As preparations for the busy holiday are underway, the Northshore Fire Department encourages you to use safe cooking practices by offering these ten basic fire safety tips.

1. If you are simmering, baking, roasting, or boiling food, remember to check it regularly. Use a timer to remind you that something is on the stove or in the oven. Never leave the house when you are cooking. Turn the burners off, if you have to leave the kitchen or the house for any period of time.
2. Keep anything that could catch on fire, including pot holders, food packaging, kitchen towels, or any combustible material, at least 3 feet away from a heat source.
3. If a pan catches fire, cover it with a lid immediately and turn off the burner. Don't attempt to fight a grease fire with water, as it may make the fire worse.
4. Turn pot and pan handles inward over the stove to reduce the risk of knocking them over.
5. Never wear loose clothing while cooking. Wear clothing with sleeves that are short, close fitting, or tightly rolled up. If your clothes catch fire, Stop, Drop and Roll.
6. Create a 3-foot "kid and pet-free zone" around cooking appliances that produce heat or an open flame.
7. Have a multi-purpose (ABC-rated) fire extinguisher close at hand. If the fire is too large for an extinguisher, get out of the house. Do not go back inside. Call the fire department from a neighbor's house.
8. Test your smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors.
9. Have a well rehearsed family escape plan. You should have two escape routes from each room and agree on a place to meet outside. Practice your home escape plan.
10. If you plan to use a turkey fryer, follow the manufacturer’s guidelines. Turkey fryers should always be used outdoors and a safe distance away from the house or any other combustible material. NEVER leave the fryer unattended. If you fry it, stay by it!

For more Thanksgiving safety tips, visit Northshore Fire Department’s website