Safe Cooking Tips for Thankgiving

Leaving food on the stove to cook unattended is a recipe for disaster, says Kentucky State Fire Marshal William Swope.

According to the National Fire Protection Association, cooking is the leading cause of home fires and home fire injuries.

"Being aware of fire safety while preparing your holiday meal can mean the difference between calling family and friends to the dinner table or calling the fire department to put out a fire," said Swope.

The state fire marshal and NFPA recommend the following cooking safety tips:

Cook with Caution

•Be on alert! If you are sleepy or have consumed alcohol, don't use the stove or stovetop.
•Stay in the kitchen while you are frying, grilling or broiling food. If you leave the kitchen for even a short period of time, turn off the stove.
•If you are simmering, baking, roasting or boiling food, check it regularly, remain in the home while food is 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.

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.
•If you try to fight the fire, be sure others are getting out and you have a clear way out.
•When in doubt, just get out! When you leave, close the door behind you to help contain the fire.
•Call 9-1-1 or the local emergency number after you leave.

The state fire marshal’s office in the Division of Fire Prevention is an agency of the Department of Housing, Buildings and Construction within the Public Protection Cabinet. Visit the website at http://dhbc.ky.gov/sfm/Pages/default.aspx.