The Maryland State Fire Marshall provides the following tips for keeping holiday meal preparation from spoiling a great family time because of fire and or injury.
During the Thanksgiving Holiday many families gather together to celebrate festivities. Unfortunately, year after year, cooking related fires injure residents and damage many homes. As the holiday season approaches and the preparation for entertaining guests heighten, the State Fire Marshal wants to remind Marylander’s to stay in the kitchen while cooking meals. In a study of home cooking fires conducted by the NFPA (National Fire Protection Association), ignition occurred in six out of seven incidents while the cook was out of the kitchen.
“Cooking fires continue to be the No. 1 cause of home fires both in Maryland and across the country,” said the State Fire Marshal.
Distractions and forgetfulness are the key reasons why devices intended to cook or warm up food start a fire. In many cases, the cook is in another room; typically because he or she forgot that something was cooking or was distracted by guests, children, phone calls, television or other interruptions.
The State Fire Marshal advises these safety suggestions while cooking:
- Don’t leave cooking food unattended
- Don’t wear loose clothing, roll up sleeves if necessary
- Keep pot handles turned inward to avoid spills, and utilize back burners to keep items further away from small children
- Keep potholders, dishtowels, food packaging and other clutter off the stovetop
- Clean cooking equipment; built-up grease can catch fire
Keeping the above in mind, TheBAYNET.com wishes each everyone our readers the happiest of Thanksgivings. May the only Emergency Medical Service Volunteers or Firefighters to share your holiday meal be that of invited family and friends.