The Clark County Fire Department would like to remind everyone that safety should be the number one priority this season. Cooking is the leading cause of home fires and injuries in the United States, so it’s important to be aware of potential dangers while preparing festive meals this year. Thanksgiving is the leading day of the year for cooking-related fires, followed by Christmas Day and Christmas Eve.
Deep frying is the cooking method that poses the highest risk of fire, and for that reason, the Clark County Fire Department is encouraging all to take specific precautions before frying up a turkey. The large amount of oil and high cooking temperatures can turn cooking into a frightening and devastating experience.
A Clark County TV PSA created in partnership with the Fire Department and the Clark County Water Reclamation District offers tips for safe cooking and the proper disposal of cooking oil. The video is on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ugizlqS0Gfg. Cooking oil and grease should never be poured down a drain because it clogs sinks and pipes. More information about the Water Reclamation District’s Pain in the Drain campaign is available at www.cleanwaterteam.com
“The holidays are a fun and active time for families, especially in their kitchens where it may be easy to get distracted,” said Clark County Fire Department Chief John Steinbeck. “It’s important to never leave food cooking on a stove top unattended and to keep a safe distance from burners and hot foods or liquids. This is also a good time of year to make sure your household smoke detectors are in good working order in case of fire.”
The following safety tips are recommended to prevent cooking fires:
When cooking:
- Be on alert! If you are sleepy, consumed alcohol, or taking medication that makes you drowsy, you should not be cooking.
- Stay in the kitchen while you are frying, grilling, boiling, or broiling food.
- Never leave cooking food unattended.
- If you are simmering, baking, or roasting food, check it regularly. Remain in the home while cooking and use a timer to remind you that you are cooking.
- Keep anything that can catch fire — oven mitts, wooden utensils, food packaging, towels, or curtains -- away from your stovetop.
- Do not wear loose fitting clothing while cooking as they can catch fire.
- Adult supervision of children is always needed in kitchens and all cooking areas. Secure cords, knives, and equipment out of easy reach from a child, and remove any tripping hazards. Keep matches and lighters out of the reach of children – up high in a locked cabinet.
- Never use a turkey fryer indoors, in a garage, or under an awning. Make sure it is on a flat level surface and away from structures, tree branches or bushes.
- Do not use a fire extinguisher on a grease fire as this could spread the fire by spraying it around the kitchen.
- Always cook with a lid beside your pan. If you have a fire, slide the lid over the pan and turn off the burner. Do not remove the cover because the fire could start again. Let the pan cool for a long time. Never throw water on the fire.
- Do not use a fire extinguisher on a grease fire as this could spread the fire by spraying it around the kitchen.
- For an oven fire, turn off the heat and keep the door closed.
- Don’t take risks with a fire. When in doubt, get out of the home and call 911.
After cooking:
- Let the cooking oil cool completely.
- Don’t pour it down the drain because it clogs pipes.
- Instead, put it in a can or jar and toss it in the trash.
Original source can be found here.
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