Be Fire Free this Thanksgiving
We are asking our citizens once again to be extra careful while cooking this holiday season. Thanksgiving is the leading day for home fires involving cooking equipment. The range and stovetop are the leading cause of reported home fires and home fire injuries in the United States.
In 2013, Albuquerque Firefighters responded to155 cooking fires causing over $200,000 in damage.
“Safety in the kitchen is important especially on Thanksgiving because it’s full of activity, said Albuquerque Fire Chief David Downey. “ Stay near the stove while cooking and keep kids and pets away from this dangerous area. Don’t let a fire interrupt your family celebration.”
Top causes for cooking fires:
- Unattended cooking was by far the leading contributing factor in these fires.
- Having something that can catch fire too close to cooking equipment.
- Unintentionally turning on or not turning off the stove.
Cook with Caution:
- Be on alert! Stay in the kitchen while you are cooking. If you leave the kitchen for even a short period of time, turn off the stove.
- Keep anything that can catch fire - oven mitts, wooden utensils, food packaging, towels or curtains - away from your stovetop.
- Keep kids and pets at least 3 feet away from any cooking area to prevent burns.
If you have a cooking fire:
- Keep a lid nearby when you're cooking to smother small grease fires. Smother the fire by sliding the lid over the pan and turn off the stovetop. Leave the pan covered until it is completely cooled.
- For an oven fire, turn off the heat and keep the door closed.
- When in doubt, just get out! When you leave, close the door behind you to help contain the fire.
- Call 911 after you leave.
Turkey Fryers:
- Read manufacturer’s instructions
- Completely thaw turkey
- Place the fryer on a flat surface and in an open area away from anything that can burn
- Use protective wear to prevent burns
- Have an ABC rated fire extinguisher nearby
Smoke Alarms and Evacuation Plans save lives:
- Install smoke alarms on every level of the home, outside and inside each sleeping area and at least 10 feet away from a cooking appliance.
- Test smoke alarm once a month and replace batteries during daylight savings.
- Practice a home evacuation plan each month so everyone knows when to get out and where to go if a fire occurs.
For more safety tips, go to www.cabq.gov/fire