Experts share safety advice for Thanksgiving cooking
COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)
As some are preparing, or continuing to prepare for Thanksgiving dinner, local and national officials are providing safety tips when cooking in the kitchen.
According to the US Fire Administration, cooking causes nearly 75% of all Thanksgiving day fires. Over half happening between the hours of 10 a.m. and 5 p.m.
FEMA says the number of house fires on Thanksgiving is more than doubled compared to any other day of the year.
The National Fire Protection Association estimated in 2021 that 1,160 cooking fires were reported nationwide on Thanksgiving day.
Boone County Fire Protection District posted some safety measures to their facebook on Wednesday to keep in mind when cooking in the kitchen today.
Some advice they gave was to not leave the kitchen unattended while cooking, keep all flammable objects away from the stove or other burning surfaces and to turn pan and pot handles towards the back of the stove to prevent bumping into them.
They also say to avoid loose fitting clothes, keep small children and animals out of the kitchen and to make sure your smoke alarms and fire extinguishers are working properly before you begin cooking.
If you plan on frying your turkey you must cook it outdoors in a safe, non-flammable location. Be cautious of splashing from the oil because it can cause serious burns. Keep children away from the fryer and do not leave it unattended.
Your turkey must also be completely defrosted.
It is good practice to have an escape plan that all guests are aware of incase of emergency.
If a fire is to start evacuate everyone from the home and call 9-1-1 immediately.
