News Details (Posted: November 25, 2004):

Holiday Cooking Safety Tips from the Collierville Fire Department

Contact Information:

Buddy Billings
901-853-3290

Full Description:

As with many U.S. holidays, fire incidence increases on Thanksgiving Day. This increase is troubling as it applies mostly to cooking fires in the family home. Each year, nearly 4,300 fires in the United States occur on Thanksgiving Day causing 15 fatalities, about 50 injuries, and nearly $27 million in property damage. To protect yourself from fire as you enjoy cooking all your favorite holiday foods from the turkey to Santa’s favorite cookies, the Collierville Fire Department would like to offer the following tips to keep you and your family safe this holiday season:

Never leave food unattended while cooking. Don’t forget the importance of safety when cooking. In particular, remember that a watched pot rarely causes fires. Studies show that most cooking fires occurred when cooks left the room while food was on the cook top or in the oven.

Carry a potholder or wooden spoon or set a timer to remind yourself about the cooking food if you leave to answer a door or phone.

Remember to remove pans from heat sources when you have finished cooking, and make sure everything is turned off.

Keep the pan lid nearby. If a fire begins in a pan, put the lid on, turn off the heat and wait for the pan to cool.

Never use water on a grease fire. Water will spread the fire and make it worse.

Keep all kitchen appliances clean and in proper working condition. Do not attempt to use them if they are defective.

Keep oven/broiler clean and free of grease. Make sure all pilot lights are lit on a gas range.

If your self-cleaning oven is on fire do not force the door open. Turn it off and notify the fire department immediately.

Watch children closely when they are in the kitchen. Use the back burners on the stove first. Only use the front burners if the back ones are full. Keep pot handles turned in on the stovetop to avoid accidentally knocking the pot off, causing serious burns. Store hazardous material out of children's reach.

Make sure your fire extinguisher is working properly. It's best to have an "ABC" dry chemical fire extinguisher in the kitchen. If a fire extinguisher must be used, have an escape plan. Know when to get out. Your life and the life of your family is the most important concern. Once you take the fire extinguisher off the wall, have someone go call 911. Remember to report all fires large and mall to the Collierville Fire Department IMMEDIATELY.

Keep a working smoke detector just off of the kitchen as well as throughout your house. Test your smoke detectors at least once per month. Replace the batteries twice per year when you change your clocks.

Have a Happy and Safe Holiday Season!