Crime & Safety

Fire Officials Say Gobble Up Safety This Thanksgiving

Federal fire safety officials say the highest incidence of home cooking fires occur on Thanksgiving Day.

[Courtesy of the Federal Emergency Management Agency and U.S. Fire Administration.]

Did you know cooking fires are the number one cause of home fires in America? Many families gather in the kitchen, especially around Thanksgiving, but it can be one of the most hazardous rooms in the house if you don’t practice safe cooking behaviors. As you prepare to pull out your favorite Thanksgiving recipes, you should also pull out these safe cooking tips.

  • Never wear loose clothing or leave items that catch fire, such as potholders or paper towels, around the stove. If your clothes catch fire, stop, drop and roll.
  • Always keep an oven mitt and a lid nearby when you are cooking. While wearing your oven mitt, slide the lid over the pan if a grease fire starts.
  • In case of an oven or microwave fire, turn off the appliance and keep the door closed until the fire is out.
  • Stay in the kitchen when you are cooking. If you leave the kitchen, turn off the stove.
  • Keep children away from cooking areas by enforcing a “kid-free zone” of three feet around the stove.


The U.S. Fire Administration offers a number of other cooking tips. Please visit their site for additional information on fire safety.

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