TOLEDO, Ohio — Cooking fires happen more on Thanksgiving Day compared to every other day of the year, according to data from the U.S. Fire Administration. The average number of reported residential building fires on Thanksgiving Day, the administration found, was more than double the average for residential building fires on all other days.
The Toledo Fire & Rescue Department said this is why first responders everywhere make the same cooking safety statements every year, because the numbers don't seem to go down. TFRD's Public Information Officer, Sheldon Collins, said the easiest way to be safe and keep the fire department from showing up at your door, is to be present while in the kitchen.
Avoid distractions (and keep an eye on children)
He said it's not hard to get distracted by things outside or around the kitchen. It's best to not rush cooking as many things as possible, whether that be on the stove or in the oven, don't overcrowd the areas.
Collins said doing risky behaviors like that could cause accidents, which can easily turn into kitchen fires.
"Turn your handles backwards," Collins said. "Back towards the stove. Just in case you hit it, or a child is coming up. You know a child, children, are observant and they always want to explore. They want to touch things. We don't want them touching an open flame or anything that has a handle."
He said while cooking in the kitchen, it's best to try and clean as you go, which can leave room on counters or tabletops for lids or extinguishers to smother flames, in case of an emergency.
Deep frying your turkey? Stay safe while doing it
When it comes to deep frying your turkey, always defrost and pat the bird dry before putting it in the boiling hot oil. Collins said having the fryer, ideally in the driveway, away from the garage, home, or anything flammable, is best.
If you're going to consume alcohol, Collins said it's best to do so in moderation while cooking, regardless of whether you're cooking inside or outside of the home.
"You should be alert when you're cooking. Don't walk off if you're cooking on the stove. A lot of people try to do that, because the family is there. So, they socializing and they forget. It would be wise to keep a timer on there also to remind you, 'Oh! this is cooking. Let me go in here and check.' " Collins said.
He added everyone should make sure both the smoke and carbon monoxide detectors have batteries. Additionally, make sure there is a working fire extinguisher, and at least one person knows how to properly operate it in the home.