Out of the frying pan: Tips for a safe Thanksgiving

Photo By Tech. Sgt. Mozer Da Cunha | Thanksgiving brings families and friends together to share a meal, conversation and laughter, but it also comes with an increased risk of fires. One tip to eliminate a flame is to cover the pan, putting out the fire. (U.S. Air Force Photo illustration/Airman 1st Class Mozer Da Cunha)  

BOSSIER CITY, LOUISIANA, UNITED STATES

11.17.2014

Story by Staff Sgt. Mozer Da Cunha 

2nd Bomb Wing

BARKSDALE AIR FORCE BASE, La. - As Thanksgiving approaches home-grown chefs are reminded of the dangers associated with cooking and are given tips on how to avoid accidents coming this holiday.

Thanksgiving brings families and friends together to share a meal, conversation, and laughter, but the holiday also brings increased fire risks.

"Thanksgiving is peak season for home fires," said Staff Sgt. Brian Whitener, 2nd Civil Engineers Squadron NCO-in charge of fire prevention. "Due to home cooking fires, there are three times as many fires as in a normal day."

Airmen are reminded to inspect their smoke alarms before any cooking starts.
"Safety comes first," Whitener said. "Before cooking anything, check your smoke detectors, make sure they are working properly."

Many factors contribute to the increased number of home fires during Thanksgiving, one being unattended cooking.

"Unattended cooking is a big issue," Whitener said. "Make sure you stay in the kitchen the entire time you're cooking."

Keeping an eye on the stove not only helps to avoid kitchen fires but also avoids unnecessary injuries.

"If at all possible try to keep children out of the kitchen," said Master Sgt. Stacey Beckwith, 2nd Bomb Wing ground safety superintendent. "Make sure to keep pot handles in toward the stove and away from where a child could grab it."

Those who leave their residence while food is cooking also create an unsafe environment.

"There have been situations where people leave the area or fall asleep leaving things cooking," Beckwith said. "Something like that can cause a fire, especially things involving grease."

Cooking fires are the No. 1 cause of home fires and home injuries, families are reminded of the dangers associated with Thanksgiving cooking, and using the tips below can make their holiday safe and accident-free.

· Keep outdoor fryers off decks, out of garages and a safe distance away from trees and other structures.

· Make sure the turkey is thawed and dry before cooking. Ice or water that mixes into the hot oil can cause flare-ups.

· Watch the weather. Never operate a fryer outdoors in rain or snow.

· Place the fryer on a level surface and avoid moving it once it's in use.

· Leave 2 feet between the tank and the burner when using a propane-powered fryer.

· Follow the manufacturer's instructions to avoid overfilling. Oil can ignite when it makes contact with the burner.

· Choose a smaller turkey for frying. A bird that's 8 to 10 pounds is best; pass on turkeys more than 12 pounds.

· Never leave fryers unattended.

· Turn off the burner before lowering the turkey into the oil. Once the turkey is submerged, turn the burner on.

· Keep a grease-rated fire extinguisher close by.

· Keep children and pets away from the fryer and stoves at all times.

· Once finished, turn off the burner, carefully remove the pot from the burner, place it on a level surface and cover to let the oil cool overnight before disposing of.

• Date Taken: 11.17.2014
• Date Posted: 09.18.2018 10:43
• Story ID: 293265
• Location: BOSSIER CITY, LOUISIANA, US