State Fire Marshal Advice to Prevent Thanksgiving Kitchen Fires
COLUMBUS, Ohio (News Talk 1480 WHBC) – The State Fire Marshal is stressing safety in the kitchen this holiday.
More cooking fires occur on Thanksgiving Day than any other day of the year.
They say staying in the kitchen while cooking is key, especially if you’re cooking.
Especially with products that are flammable themselves, like vegetable oil and such.
Also, it’s important to keep the kids at a distance while cooking.
1400 home cooking fires occur across the U.S. annually on Thanksgiving Day.
That’s three times what the nation’s firefighters see on the typical day.
Here’s more from State Farm Insurance and the National Fire Prevention Association:
According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), more home cooking fires occur in the U.S. on Thanksgiving Day than any other day during the year. Additionally, State Farm claims data reveals that the holiday months of November and December are the top months for grease and cooking fire claims.
In 2022, State Farm paid over $196 Million for 2,210 grease and cooking fire claims. Ohio ranked #9 in top states for most cooking and grease fire claims filed in 2022, with 145 claims costing nearly $8.3 Million.
Because many families and friends engage in cooking during the holidays, it is important to follow some basic safety tips to keep you, your family, and your home, safe. What you should know about home cooking safety:
Always keep an eye on what you are cooking/frying/grilling/boiling/broiling food and check the food regularly.
Be on alert! If you are sleepy or have consumed alcohol, don’t use the stove or stovetop.
Keep anything that can catch fire — oven mitts, wooden utensils, food packaging, towels or curtains — away from your stovetop.
Keep a fire extinguisher approved for cooking or grease fires nearby. Make sure your smoke alarms are working.
If you have a cooking fire
Always cook with a lid beside your pan. If you have a fire, slide the lid over the pan and turn off the burner. Do not remove the cover because the fire could start again. Let the pan cool for a long time. Never throw water on the fire.
If the fire does not go out or you don’t feel comfortable sliding a lid over the pan, get everyone out of your home. Call the fire department from outside.
For an oven fire, turn off the heat and keep the door closed.
When in doubt, 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.