According to the National Fire Protection Association, cooking fires are the No. 1 cause of home fires and home injuries. Not surprisingly, Thanksgiving is the peak day for home-cooking fires. Hosting a holiday dinner can be stressful, and cooks can easily be distracted by family and friends.Here are 10 helpful tips to keep Thanksgiving memorable for all the right reasons.
- Stay alert! Donít use the stove or stovetop while sleepy or after consuming alcohol.
- Stay in the kitchen while frying, grilling, boiling or broiling food.
- Check food regularly when simmering, baking or roasting. Set a timer as a reminder that food is cooking.
- Keep anything that can catch fire ñ- oven mitts, wooden utensils, food packaging, towels or curtains ñ- away from the stovetop.
- While cooking, keep a lid nearby to smother small grease fires by sliding the lid over the pan. Turn off the stovetop and leave the pan covered until it is completely cooled.
- Never throw water on a grease fire. Water will only spread the fire.
- For an oven fire, turn off the heat and keep the door closed.
- Keep pot handles turned inward on the stove to prevent accidents.
- Create a three-foot ìchild-free zoneî around the stove and barbecue to prevent burns and scalds.
- Loose clothing or long sleeves can catch fire, so opt for short sleeves or snug-fitting clothing while cooking.
