[Press Release] : FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Fire Safety on Thanksgiving

[Press Releases]

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Battalion Chief Brad Fraizer
Duty PIO Pager 573-441-6608 (24 hours - Leave detailed message)
Office 573-874-7557 (M-F, 8-5)


Fire Safety on Thanksgiving

COLUMBIA, MO (November 20, 2012) - 
Thanksgiving is supposed to be a fun, happy, and delicious day, but it can also be one of the most
dangerous. According to the U.S. Fire Administration, more property is damaged and more lives are lost in house fires on Thanksgiving than any other day of the year. And the number one cause of those fires -- cooking.

The Columbia Fire Department says it's vital that people pay attention in their kitchens during
the holiday weekend to prevent fires and recommends the following:

-Make sure someone is always in the kitchen when the stove or oven is on, keeping an eye on things.

-Keep things that can easily catch on fire, like potholders or oven mitts, away from the stove top.

- Avoid wearing dangling sleeves while you cook.

-If a grease fire ignites on your stove, do not put water on it or try to move the pot / pan that's on
fire. Instead, turn off the stove and cover the pot / pan with a metal lid (a glass lid may shatter).

-If a fire starts in your oven, turn the oven off and do not open the door.

-Keep a fire extinguisher nearby -- but if the fire starts to spread or get out of control, get everyone
out of the house and call 911.

Fire officials point out that not all Thanksgiving cooking takes place inside the kitchen. Deep fried
turkey is becoming a staple for more and more families -- but unfortunately it's also becoming the source of more and more house fires.

Battalion Chief Brad Fraizer stated 'A little attention to basic safety precautions can mean the
difference between an enjoyable, safe holiday or a bad one'.   

They say when you fry a turkey, it's important to follow all instructions that come with deep fryer.
They also recommend:

-Deep fry your turkey outside, away from your house, garage, deck, or any other structure that can
catch on fire.

-Don't overfill the pot with oil to help prevent spillover.

-Turn off the flame when you lower the turkey into the pot.

-NEVER put a frozen turkey in a deep fryer -- make sure it's completely thawed. The FDA says a good rule of thumb is to let your frozen turkey thaw 24 hours for every four to five pounds it weighs.

The Columbia Fire Department wants to remind residents that working smoke alarms do save lives. Test your smoke alarms at least once a month by pressing the test button. Replace smoke alarm batteries at least once a year. Replace smoke alarms every 10 years. To ensure adequate protection, place smoke alarms in every sleeping room, and in a common area on every floor. If you cannot afford a smoke alarm, call the Columbia Fire Department at 573-874-7556 to schedule an appointment to have free smoke alarms installed. For residences who need assistance in checking their smoke alarms, they can also contact the Columbia Fire Department.

 


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