SHAMOKIN - Because Thanksgiving is the peak day for home cooking fires, the Shamokin Fire Bureau, United States Fire Administration and the National Fire Protection Association has shared some fire safety tips and recommendation to the residents:
Safety tips
- Stay in the kitchen when you are cooking on the stovetop so you can keep an eye on the food.
- Stay in the home when cooking your turkey and check on it frequently.
- Keep children away from the stove, deep fryers, knives, electrical cords, matches, lighters, lit candles and hot food and liquids.
- Keep the floor clear of items that could cause someone to trip.
- Make sure smoke alarms are working.
- Keep towels, pot holders and curtains away from flames, ovens, and stove tops.
- Clean cooking surfaces regularly to prevent grease buildup, which can start fires.
- Never use the stove or oven to heat your home.
- Double-check the kitchen before you go to bed or leave the house to make sure all appliances are turned off.
- Don't wear long or flowing clothing while cooking.
- Heat cooking oil slowly to avoid burns from spattering grease. Be extra careful when cooking deep-fried food.
Turkey fryer safety tips
Keep fryer away from buildings - Set up the turkey fryer more than 10 feet away from structures and never leave it unattended.
Find flat ground - The oil must be even and steady at all times to ensure safety. Place the fryer on a flat, level surface and carefully gauge the amount of oil needed.
Use a thawed and dry turkey - Extra water will cause the oil to bubble furiously and spill over. If oil spills from the fryer onto the burner, it can cause a fire.
Monitor the temperature - Use caution when touching the turkey fryer. The lid and handle can become very hot and could cause burns. Also be sure to keep track of the oil's temperature because many fryers do not have their own thermostats.
Be prepared - Have a fire extinguisher (multipurpose, dry-powder) ready at all times in the event the oil ignites.
Just in case
- If you are cooking and a fire starts, turn off the stove or burner and put a lid on the pan to smother the flames. Never throw water on a grease fire.
- Prepare an escape plan and practice it twice a year. Make sure everyone in your family knows at least two escape routes from their bedrooms.
- Always call 911, even if you think the fire is out.