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Make Thanksgiving A Fireproof Feast

NPR

Ah, the holidays, when the family gathers around....a kitchen fire!

"More cooking fires occur on Thanksgiving than any other day...probably those people trying to make the beer can chicken or the deep-fried turkey and that sort of thing."

Before you bake, broil, grill, sear or fry, Elizabeth Carey, Public Affairs manager for the Triple A of western and central New York hopes you’ll remember these tips for fireproof feasts.

"Fires on Thanksgiving are three times more likely than on a regular day, and Christmas Day, Christmas Eve, right behind Thanksgiving. Sometimes you'll light a candle and you worry about that being a fire hazard, but cooking is still the number one cause of home fires."

She cites statistics from the National Fire Protection Association, reminding us that holiday decorations and candles can also be fire hazards, but cooking is still the number one cause of home fires. Home fires also tend to increase during the winter months because people are using their fireplaces and other heating equipment more often.

Tips from AAA insurance for fireproof feasts:

  • Avoid an overcooked meal or worse by having someone on cooking duty at all times. If you have to leave, turn off cooking equipment.
  • Plan family time, walks, television, chores and other activities outside of meal preparation time to limit distractions.
  • Everyone loves hanging out in the kitchen – which can lead to bumps, spills and other injuries, especially when kids are involved. To minimize accidents and divert traffic, put snacks, games and toys in another room.
  • Grills and other gasoline- or charcoal-burning devices should only be used outdoors.
  • If you are sleepy or have consumed alcohol, step away from cooking and designate a “driver” to take the lead.
  • Keep towels, paper products and other flammable materials away from heat.
  • Smother grease fires with a metal lid or baking soda. Never use water and make sure to turn off the heat. If a fire starts in the oven, turn off the heat and keep the door closed.
  • Have a fully functional fire extinguisher handy for emergencies. Call 911 for help.
Brad Smith won the Cortland County (NY) spelling bee as a seventh grader from Homer High, in a championship broadcast live on local radio. Brad’s been trying to relive the “magnificent” (winning word) moment ever since.