Tips to prevent fires while cooking holiday meals

Nov 26, 2024, 4:00 PM

(Canva)

Digital Content Producer

SALT LAKE CITY — Ahead of Thanksgiving, the American Red Cross is urging community members to take safety precautions in the kitchen while cooking their holiday meals.

According to the National Fire Protection Association, more cooking fires occur on Thanksgiving than on any other day of the year. On average, there were three and a half times more fires on Thanksgiving Day between 2018 and 2022.

Michael Smauldon, the executive director of the American Red Cross Northern Utah Chapter, said extra caution can prevent holiday meal fires.

Stay safe while preparing holiday meals

There are several things people can do to prevent fires when cooking their holiday meals.

First, remain close while you are cooking and use a timer to remind yourself that the stove is on. Most cooking fires begin when food is left unattended.

Keep anything that could catch fire away from the stove. Avoid wearing loose clothing that could accidentally get near hot stovetops.

Children and pets should also be kept away to prevent injury. Turn the handles of your pans toward the back of the stove to prevent them from being knocked off.

Thirdly, use caution when cooking with large amounts of oil. According to Keith Paul, the American Red Cross’ Utah/Nevada regional director, hot oil is a serious burn and fire risk.

“For a safer option, consider purchasing a fried turkey from a grocery store, restaurant, or using a fryer that doesn’t require oil,” wrote Paul in an email.

If smoke appears or grease begins boiling, remove it from the burner and turn off the heat. Make sure you wear oven mitts when handling items that are hot.

The Red Cross also recommended keeping the lid of a pan or a cookie sheet nearby. It can be used to smother fires that may start in pans. If you end up needing it, leave the pan covered until it has completely cooled.

Finally, ensure that all kitchen appliances are turned off before you go to sleep or leave your home.

“Thanksgiving is a busy holiday, with multiple dishes being prepared simultaneously, numerous guests, and various distractions that can lead to oversight of what’s on the stove or in the oven,” said Smauldon.