Did you know that Thanksgiving is the peak day for cooking fires with more than three times the daily average? Unattended cooking was by far the leading cause. On Thanksgiving day alone, an estimated 1,160 home cooking fires were reported to U.S. fire departments in 2021, reflecting a 297 percent increase over the daily average. Safety is important in the kitchen, especially on Thanksgiving. By following a few simple safety tips, you can enjoy time with your loved ones, and keep yourself and your family safe from fire:
- Stay in the kitchen when you are cooking on the stovetop. If you leave the kitchen, even for a short time, turn off the stove.
- Stay in the home when cooking your turkey and check on it frequently.
- Use a timer to remind you that you are cooking.
- Turn pan handles away from the edge of the stove to avoid tipping them over.
- Keep anything that can catch fire - oven mitts, towels, food packaging, wooden utensils – away from the stovetop.
- Keep children and pets away from the stove. The stove will be hot and kids and pets should stay three feet away.
If you have a small stovetop cooking fire or an oven fire, and decide to fight it:
- For a stovetop fire: Smother the flames by sliding a lid or baking sheet over the pan then turn off the burner. Leave the pan covered until it is completely cooled.
- For an oven fire: Turn off the heat and keep the oven door closed until it is cooled.
If you have any doubt about fighting a small fire get out:
- Raise the alarm and get everyone out of the home.
- When you leave, close the door behind you to help contain the fire.
- Call 9-1-1 from a safe place outside of the home.
For more information contact the Bismarck Fire Department at (701) 355-1400 or visit NFPA’s website at https://www.nfpa.org/en/education-and-research/home-fire-safety/thanksgiving