RALEIGH, N.C. (WLOS) — Thanksgiving is quickly approaching, and State Fire Marshal Brian Taylor is urging families to practice safe cooking practices.
According to a news release from the Office of State Fire Marshal (OSFM), cooking remains the number one cause of home fires in North Carolina and is the most preventable.
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“Thanksgiving should be a time for family, food, and gratitude — not for calling the fire department,” Taylor said in a news release. “Most kitchen fires start when someone leaves the stove unattended. Stay in the kitchen, stay alert, and stay safe.”
The release says that, according to a survey from the National Fire Protection Association, home cooking fires are three times more likely to occur on Thanksgiving Day than on an average day of the year.
OSFM advises residents to use the following safety tips:
Stay in the kitchen while frying, grilling, or broiling food.Keep flammable items like oven mitts, towels, and paper away from stovetops.Turn pot handles inward to prevent spills or burns.Never use a turkey fryer indoors, in a garage, or on a wooden deck.Have a lid nearby to smother small grease fires — and never use water on a grease fire.
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“Every year, we see families lose homes to fires that could have been prevented,” Taylor said in a news release. “A little attention and preparation can keep everyone safe — and your dinner on the table.”
The OSFM is also encouraging residents to check smoke alarms before holidays to ensure guests know the family’s escape plan in case of an emergency.
Dining and Cooking