Tinker Fire Prevention Shares Tips for a Fire-Safe Holiday Season

72nd Air Base Wing:

"As Airmen, civilian employees and their families prepare for holiday gatherings, the Tinker Fire Prevention Branch is sharing practical tips to prevent cooking fires and keep celebrations safe.

Thanksgiving is the leading day of the year for home cooking fires in the United States, followed by Christmas Day and Christmas Eve, according to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA). NFPA research also identifies unattended cooking as a major contributor to reported home cooking fires. To help reduce these risks, the Tinker Fire Prevention Branch recommends focusing on three areas: attentive cooking habits, safe kitchen practices and extra caution when using outdoor propane turkey fryers.

Active Cooking Habits Unattended cooking can quickly lead to a fire. Staying attentive while preparing meals helps reduce that risk.

• Stay with the stove: Remain in the kitchen while frying, boiling, grilling or broiling. If you must leave, turn off the heat.
• Use timers and check food: Check food regularly while simmering, baking or roasting, and use a timer as a reminder. Remain home while food is cooking.
• Keep combustible materials clear: Keep oven mitts, wooden utensils, food packaging and towels away from the stovetop. These materials can ignite if exposed to heat and contribute to the spread of a fire.

Smart Kitchen Management Holiday kitchens can become crowded, increasing the risk of burns and accidental fires. Keeping cooking areas organized and free of clutter can help reduce those risks.

• Follow the three-foot rule: Keep children at least three feet away from the stove and areas where hot food or liquids are prepared or carried.
• Manage cords and handles: Keep appliance cords from dangling over counter edges. Turn pot handles toward the back of the stove and away from other active burners to reduce the risk of spills and burns.
• Prevent trips: Keep kitchen floors clear of toys, bags and other clutter to help prevent trips and spills involving hot liquids.

Outdoor Propane Turkey Fryer Safety Outdoor propane turkey fryers present significant fire and burn hazards if used improperly. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions and these precautions:

• Thaw completely: Never lower a frozen or partially frozen turkey into hot oil. Moisture can cause hot oil to boil over, potentially igniting a fire.
• Cook outdoors only: Operate the fryer on a flat, stable surface at a safe distance from homes, garages, wooden decks and overhead structures.
• Measure oil carefully: Follow the manufacturer’s fill limits and oil-measurement instructions. If using a water-displacement method, do so only with the fryer cold and empty; remove all water and thoroughly dry the pot and turkey before adding oil or heating the fryer.
• Monitor the temperature: Use a suitable thermometer, follow the manufacturer’s recommended cooking temperature and never leave the fryer unattended.
• Prepare for emergencies: Keep an appropriate, serviceable fire extinguisher available. Never use water on a grease fire.

If a cooking fire spreads or cannot be controlled safely, get everyone outside, close the door behind you if possible and call 911 from a safe location.

Contact Your Fire Prevention Branch

For questions about fire safety or to coordinate a safety briefing for your unit, call the Tinker Fire Prevention Branch at (405) 734-3981."