BIG BEAR LAKE, CALIF/November20, 2019–Thanksgiving is a time for friendship,sharing,busy kitchens. Big Bear Fire Department reminds everyone that crowded kitchens and busy cooks can lead to serious burns and tragic fires. Thanksgiving is one of the leading days of the year for home fires involving cooking equipment. That’s why it’s important to know what you can do to help keep your friends and family safe while entertaining for the holidays.
To avoid dangerous incident, the National Fire Protection Associationoffers these tips:
•Clean ovens and stovetops thoroughly before this marathon cooking day so that built-up grease cannot ignite.
•Stay in the kitchen while you are frying, grilling, boiling orbroiling food.
•Keep anything that can catch fire —oven mitts, wooden utensils, food packaging, towels or curtains —away from your stovetop.
•Be sure pot handles are facing away from the front of the stove and that appliance cords are safely out of the way.
•Ensure knives, matches and utility lighters are out of reach of children.
•Keep pets out of the kitchen.
•Keep the floor clear so you don’t trip over kids, toys, pocketbooks or bags.
•Keep a fire extinguisher handy and know how to use it.
•Make sure smoke alarms are working.
If you have a cooking fire:
•Just get out! When you leave, close the door behind you to help contain the fire.
•Call 9-1-1 or the local emergency number after you leave.
•If you try to fight the fire, be sure others are getting out and you have a clear way out.
•Keep a lid nearby when you’re cooking to smother small grease fires. Smother the fire by sliding the lid over the pan and turn off the stovetop. Leave the pan covered until itis completely cooled.
•For an oven fire, turn off the heat and keep the door closed.
For additional information on this or other fire and life safety topics, contact Big Bear Fire Department at www.bigbearfire.org or (909) 866-7566.
