When you're cooking with fire, this Thanksgiving someone could get burned. So to help prevent any tragic holiday accidents, Takoma Park Police offered these tips for safety in the kitchen on Thanksgiving.
● Make sure your smoke alarms are working properly by testing them.
Additionally, ensure your guests are aware of all available exits if a
fire would occur and have them meet at a designated location outside.
● The leading cause of fires in the kitchen is unattended cooking.
Stay in the kitchen when you are cooking on the stove top so you can
keep an eye on the food.
● Establish: A “Kids & Pets Free Zone” around any area where hot
foods or drinks are prepared. Have activities that keep kids out of the
kitchen during this busy time. Provide games, puzzles, books, etc.
outside of the kitchen to keep them busy. Kids can get involved with
preparations with recipes that can be made outside of the kitchen. Just
in case, ensure you turn handles inward on the stove and counter top to
avoid spills.
● Be alert while cooking; avoid consuming any alcoholic beverages
while preparing the meal.
● Keep a lid nearby when you are cooking to smother small grease
fires. Smother the fire by sliding the lid over the pan and turn off the
burner. Leave the pan covered until it has cooled.
● Keep anything combustible - oven mitts, wooden utensils, food
packaging, towels, etc. away from the stove top.
● Eliminate clutter in the kitchen. A clean work area allows for
better efficiency and less chances for mishaps.
● Keep matches and lighters out of reach of curious children’s
hands.
● Do not leave lit candles unattended or in places where they could
be knocked over by children or pets.
Turkey Fryer Safety
● Many turkey fryer appliances can be easily tipped over, allowing
for hot oil spillage. Ensure you place them on a hard, level and
non-combustible outdoor surface.
● Do not place a turkey fryer under an overhang or temporary roof. A
flare up can easily ignite materials above the appliance.
● Partially frozen turkeys can cause a spill over and cause a flare
up. Thoroughly thaw the turkey before cooking.
● Constantly monitor the temperature of the oil. It can easily reach
temperatures to the point of combustion.
● Be careful not to overfill the fryer. Follow manufacturer’s
guidelines for proper filling levels.
● The handles and lid will get dangerously hot. Use well insulated
potholders or oven mitts.
● Never leave the fryer unattended while cooking. Keep an all-purpose
fire extinguisher on hand. Do not use water in an attempt to extinguish
a grease fire.
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