Monday, November 24, 2014

Caution: Thanksgiving is top day for cooking fires

Thanksgiving is the No. 1 day for cooking fires, and cooking is the leading cause of home fires and home fire injuries, according to the National Fire Protection Association, which offers these tips for a safe holiday in the kitchen:
• If you are sleepy or have consumed alcohol, don't use the stove or stovetop.
• Stay in the kitchen while you are frying, grilling or broiling food. If you leave the kitchen for even a short period of time, turn off the stove.
• If you are simmering, baking, roasting or boiling food, check it regularly. Remain in the home while such food is cooking and use a timer to remind you that you are cooking.
• Keep anything that can catch fire — oven mitts, wooden utensils, food packaging, towels or curtains — away from your stovetop.
If you have a cooking fire:
• Keep a lid nearby when you're cooking to smother small grease fires. Smother the fire by sliding the lid over the pan and turn off the stovetop. Leave the pan covered until it is completely cooled.
• When using an oven fire, turn off the heat and keep the door closed.
If a fire breaks ot:
• If you try to fight the fire, be sure others are getting out and you have a clear way out.
• When in doubt, just get out! When you leave, close the door behind you to help contain the fire.
• Call 9-1-1 or the local emergency number after you leave.

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