BALTIMORE, MD—The kitchen is the heart of every home, and safety must be the first recipe to follow when preparing the family feast.

“Thanksgiving is a time for gathering, but it also increases the risk of home fires due to cooking. Test your smoke alarms and keep a watchful eye in the kitchen. A little precaution today can prevent a disaster tomorrow,” said Acting State Fire Marshal Jason M. Mowbray.

The Office of the State Fire Marshal offers the following tips for a safe and enjoyable Thanksgiving.

• Test your smoke alarms to ensure they are working properly. Additionally, ensure your guests are aware of all available exits if a fire occurs and have them meet at a designated location outside.
• Unattended cooking is the leading cause of kitchen fires. When cooking on the stovetop, stay in the kitchen to watch the food.
• Establish a 3′ foot “Kids & Pets Free Zone” around any area where hot foods or drinks are prepared.
• Have activities that keep kids out of the kitchen during this busy time. Outside the kitchen, provide games, puzzles, books, etc., to keep them busy. Kids can also be involved with preparations with recipes that can be made outside of the kitchen area. Just in case, turn the handles inward on the stove and countertop to avoid spills.
• Keep a lid nearby when you are cooking to smother small grease fires. Smother the fire by sliding the lid over the pan, turning off the burner, and then leaving the pan covered until it has cooled.
• Keep anything combustible – oven mitts, wooden utensils, food packaging, towels, etc., away from the stovetop.
• Eliminate clutter in the kitchen. A clean work area allows for better efficiency and fewer chances for mishaps.
• Keep matches and lighters out of reach of curious children’s hands.
• Do not leave lit candles unattended or in places where children or pets could knock them over.

Turkey Fryer Safety

• Many turkey fryer appliances can be easily tipped over, allowing hot oil to spill. Ensure you place them on a hard, level, and non-combustible outdoor surface.
• Do not place a turkey fryer under an overhang or temporary roof. A flare-up can easily ignite materials above the appliance.
• Partially frozen turkeys can cause a spillover and result in a flare-up. Thoroughly thaw the turkey before cooking.
• Turn off the burner before placing the turkey in the container. Re-ignite the burner after you are sure it is safe to do so.
• Always monitor the temperature of the oil. It can easily reach temperatures to the point of combustion.
• Be careful not to overfill the fryer. Follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for proper filling levels.
• The handles and lid will get dangerously hot. Use well-insulated potholders or oven mitts.
• Never leave the fryer unattended while cooking. Keep an all-purpose (ABC) fire extinguisher on hand.
• Do not use water in an attempt to extinguish a grease fire.

Following these simple guidelines for fire and life safety will help ensure a tragedy-free holiday meal.