YORK, Pa. — If you're cooking your Thanksgiving meal at home this year, the American Red Cross has some tips to help make sure you avoid adding a kitchen fire to your menu.
Thanksgiving and the day before are the top two days in this country for the chance of a cooking fire to happen in someone’s home, the Red Cross said Monday in a press release. Cooking causes an average of 158,400 home fires per year, which is 44% of all home fires in the United States.
“Cooking is the leading cause of home fires, home fire injuries and the second leading cause of home fire deaths,” said Jorge Martinez, CEO of the American Red Cross of Greater Pennsylvania. “Most happen because people leave cooking food unattended. We want everyone to have a safe, enjoyable holiday, so don’t leave the kitchen while you’re cooking.”
COOKING SAFETY TIPS Follow these safety tips and visit redcross.org/fire for more information, including a fire escape plan to practice with your family.
- Stay in the kitchen when you are frying, grilling or broiling food. If you must leave the kitchen for even a short period of time, turn off the stove.
- Use a timer to remind yourself that the stove or oven is on.
- Avoid wearing loose clothing or dangling sleeves while cooking.
- Keep kids and pets at least three feet away from cooking areas.
- Keep anything that can catch on fire — potholders, oven mitts, wooden utensils, paper or plastic bags, food packaging, and towels or curtains — away from your stove top and oven or any other appliance that generates heat.
- Clean cooking surfaces on a regular basis to prevent grease buildup.
- Consider purchasing a fire extinguisher to keep in your kitchen.
- Always check the kitchen before going to bed or leaving home to make sure all stoves, ovens and small appliances are turned off.
Smoke alarms save lives. Install a smoke alarm near your kitchen, on each level of your home, near sleeping areas, and inside and outside bedrooms if you sleep with doors closed, the Red Cross said. Use the test button to check it each month. Replace all batteries at least once a year.
If you cannot afford to purchase smoke alarms or are physically unable to install one, the Red Cross may be able to help. Visit SoundTheAlarm.org/GreaterPA or contact your local Red Cross for more information.
