Thanksgiving Day has more than three times as many home cooking fires compared to a typical day, according to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA). Cooking multiple dishes, lots of guests, and other distractions lead to an increase in fires on Thanksgiving. With that being said, there are some safety tips to minimize the risk of a fire.

Skip the Turkey Fryers

The NFPA recommends not using turkey fryers if you’re looking to make a fried turkey. It says that turkey fryers can lead to severe burns, injuries, and property damage. Instead, the NFPA suggests buying a deep-fried turkey from grocery stores, food retailers, and restaurants.

Pay Attention

You shouldn’t leave the kitchen while cooking on the stovetop. This is especially true if you’re frying or sauteing with oil since this needs continual attention to avoid burning.

You should also not leave the home when cooking a turkey in the oven. Check on it regularly to prevent burning and possible fires.

The NFPA also recommends using a timer to keep track of cooking times. This helps ensure that you don’t forget to check your food and it’s particularly useful for foods that take a long time to cook.

Keep Flammable Materials Away from the Stove

Many common kitchen items can catch fire if they are too close to the cooking area.

You should keep these items at least three feet away from a stove:

• Oven mitts
• Wooden utensils
• Food wrappers
• Towels

The cook should also avoid wearing long sleeves or hanging fabrics that could catch on fire. 

Utilize the Three-Feet Rule for Kids

Keep children three feet away from the stove. Steam or splashes from hot foods or liquids could cause severe burns. There’s also a risk of a young child knocking over pans that are cooking on the stovetop, which could cause injury. 

Know What to do in the Event of a Fire

Accidents happen, so it’s important to know what to do to minimize damage in case of a fire. If an oven fire occurs, the NFPA recommends turning off the oven and keeping the door closed. It also says to only open the oven door when the fire is completely off and to stand to the side as you open it.

The NFPA recommends having a lid nearby if a stovetop fire occurs. A person can slide the lids over the pan and then turn off the burner. It says to let the pan cool and to not remove the lid in the meantime. The NFPA also suggests not using water or a fire extinguisher on a stovetop fire.

If you have doubts, concerns, or the fire has gotten out of control, contact the fire department for assistance right away.

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