For Immediate Release

Wednesday, Nov. 16, 2016

Contact: John Guilfoil
Phone: 978-971-8101
Email: john@jgpr.net

North Haven Fire Department Provides Holiday Cooking Safety Tips

NORTH HAVEN – Chief Paul Januszewski and the North Haven Fire Department would like to remind residents to follow several key cooking safety tips as Thanksgiving approaches to prevent accidents and injuries.

“Please be cognizant of what is happening in your kitchen at all times, from who is cooking what to where all sharp objects, such as knives, are located,” Chief Januszewski said. “Keep children away from hot stoves and dangerous tools, and remember to turn off all appliances as soon as you’re finished preparing your meal.”

According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), Thanksgiving was the peak day for home cooking fires in 2013, followed by Christmas Day and Christmas Eve.

To avoid tragedy this season, Chief Januszewski recommends residents follow several safety tips outlined by the NFPA:

• Stay in the kitchen when boiling, frying, or broiling food.
• Use a timer when baking or roasting and never leave the house while the oven is on.
• Move anything that can catch fire — pot holders, towels, paper or plastic bags — away from your stove top.
• Keep an eye on what you fry. If you see wisps of smoke or the oil smells, immediately turn off the burner and/or carefully remove the pan from the burner. Smoke is a danger sign that the oil is too hot.
• Heat the oil slowly to the temperature you need for frying or sautéing.
• Add food gently to the pot or pan so the oil does not splatter.
• In the event that a fire occurs on a stove top, put a lid on the burner and turn off the heat. Keep doors closed and the appliance off if a fire happens in an oven, broiler or microwave.
• Never throw water or use a fire extinguisher on a grease fire. Water will only spread the fire and the force of the extinguisher can splash flaming grease out of the pan.
• If your clothing catches fire, STOP, DROP and ROLL to put out the flames. Run cool water on burns or call 911 if the injury is serious.
• If the fire is not quickly snuffed out, leave the house and call the fire department.
• Make sure all smoke and carbon monoxide alarms are working prior to the holiday.
Additionally, the NFPA discourages the use of turkey fryers, as the amount and high temperature of the oil used can cause serious burns and injuries, and result in the destruction of property.

Residents who would like more information on holiday cooking safety should contact the North Haven Fire Department at 203-239-5321.

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