[Press Release] : City of Columbia Missouri Information Request

[Press Releases]

Fire Officials Remind Residents to "Cook Safely"
During the Thanksgiving Holiday

During this Thanksgiving holiday, residents will be preparing annual turkey feasts for gatherings of friends and family. The Columbia Fire Department reminds residents to "Watch What You Heat!" during the Thanksgiving holiday in an effort to avoid turning a memorable holiday gathering into tragedy. Unattended cooking is the leading cause of residential fires in Columbia. In 2010, the Columbia Fire Department has already responded to 62 cooking related fires.

By following a few safety tips, residents can significantly reduce the likelihood of a cooking fire occurring in their home:
•	Never leave cooking food on the stovetop unattended.
•	Keep your cooking area clean and clear of combustible items such as pot holders, towels, rags, and food packaging.
•	Do not use a deep fryer or other open flame cooking appliance on combustible decks or surfaces.
•	If using a deep fryer read and follow all of the manufacturer’s recommendations for safe operation of the appliance.
•	Keep children away from the cooking areas.

If you experience a fire in your kitchen, you should follow these guidelines:
•	NEVER throw water, flour, or sugar on the fire.  This can spread the fire very rapidly.
•	If available, use a fire extinguisher to extinguish the flames.
•	If the fire is small, use a lid or cookie sheet to cover the pot/pan; turn off the burner and allow pan to cool before removing the cover.
•	If you have any doubts about your safety, evacuate the home and call 9-1-1 from a neighbor's house.
•	Even if you believe the fire is out, call 9-1-1 and have the fire department respond to be sure the fire is completely extinguished.

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Page 2 – Cooking Safely on Thanksgiving

A special note about deep fryers used to cook turkeys:

Underwriters Laboratories do not list these portable cooking devices. UL considers turkey fryers to be dangerous to use presenting numerous safety hazards to consumers. "We're worried by the increasing reports of fires related with turkey fryer use," says John Drengenberg, consumer affairs manager of UL. "Based on our test findings, the fryers used to produce those great-tasting birds are not worth the risks. And, as a result of these tests, UL has decided not to certify any turkey fryers with our trusted UL Mark."

Several fires locally have been caused by these cooking devices. In addition, the fire normally occurs when the turkey is lowered into the hot oil. The “flash fire” which then occurs, is often associated with burn injuries to the cook.

The results of a fire caused by a deep fat fryer –




For more information on kitchen fire safety, please visit the Columbia Fire Department web site at www.GoColumbiaMo.com

Install. Inspect. Protect.

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