Keeping Thanksgiving a nonflammable day
By Melanie Davis
Staff Writer

As with many holidays, the incidence of residential fires increase on Thanksgiving. The leading cause of fire, at 42 percent, is cooking. That figure is nearly double that of a normal day.

The U.S. Fire Administration reports approximately 4,300 residential fires each year on Thanksgiving, causing 15 fatalities, 50 injuries and $27 million in property damage.

Several factors cause this surge in home fires, such as cooking fires left unattended, stove and appliance malfunction, and improperly used deep fryers.

To ensure the safety of families, it is recommended homeowners have appliances inspected for possible leaks or replace outdated electrical appliances. Someone should be in the cooking area at all times. A turkey may take hours to cook, but a fire can ignite in a few seconds.

A Southern favorite, deep-fried turkey poses the most serious threat. Fryers easily tip over, spilling the oil within. If the fryer is overfilled or the turkey is still partially frozen, spillage will occur. The potential for serious burns is very high due to the temperature of the oil, as well as the sides, lid and handles of the fryer.

A majority of fryers do not have thermostat controls, therefore the risk of overheating the oil to the point of combustion is a possibility. The fryer’s oil temperature should be monitored at all times.

Safety measures and following the manufacturer’s instructions are extremely important when using this appliance. Fryers should always be several feet away from the home or garage, and should never be placed on a wooden deck. Fryers should be set on a flat surface to reduce accidental tipping.

Safety goggles should be used to prevent injury from oil spatter.

Children and pets should be kept away from the turkey fryer. The oil within can remain dangerously hot hours after use.

Families should have a fire extinguisher in the kitchen and near a deep fryer. Water should never be used to extinguish an oil fire. Oil and water do not mix and the situation could get worse. An escape route should be planned and practiced beforehand.

An extinguisher can be used to contain a small cooking fire, but family members should be evacuated immediately out of the home and 911 dialed if the fire increases. Ensure the fire is completely out. The hot surface or smoldering materials can easily return to open flames.

The holidays are a special time for family and friends, and a few, simple precautions can ensure a safe celebration.