Tips for Ohioans to avoid kitchen fires this holiday season

OHIO — As Thanksgiving approaches, many may be excited about the togetherness and the food they’re about to devour. 

But if not careful, Ohioans may be dealing with some fires this year.

The Ohio state fire marshal is urging Ohioans to keep fire and cooking safety at the forefront as the holiday season gets in full swing. 

Data from the National Fire Protection Association states that Thanksgiving is the leading day for home cooking fires, with an estimated 1,446 home cooking fires annually on the holidays. That’s a 388% increase over the daily average. 

In Ohio last year, fire departments repsonded to more than 350 fires during the week of Thanksgiving. Of those, 66 were related to cooking. 

“Thanksgiving is a time for celebration, but it’s also a time when distractions in the kitchen can quickly turn fun gatherings into dangerous situations. We unfortunately see this happen every year across the state,” said State Fire Marshal Kevin Reardon. “We want all Ohioans to enjoy a safe, happy and memorable holiday by staying alert and following basic safety tips that, while they seem simple, can really make all the difference.”

To reduce the risk of fires this season, the Ohio Department of Commerce Division of State Fire Marshal offers these tips:

• “Never leave cooking food unattended. Always remain in the general location where food is being cooked. If you have to step away for a moment, ask a guest or family member to stay in the kitchen so they can keep an eye on things. In addition, use timers to remind yourself of food that may be on the stove or in the oven.
• Keep flammable materials away from heat sources. Paper towels, napkins and other combustibles should be stored safely away from heat sources, such as stoves, air and oil fryers, and grills.
• Use caution with turkey fryers. Only utilize turkey fryers outdoors on flat surfaces and away from structures. Turkey fryers should not be used inside garages or on/near decks. Always follow the provided instructions and make sure to use the appropriate amount of oil to avoid overflows, which can cause dangerous and intense fires. The appropriate level of oil can be determined by first placing your turkey in the cold pot, then filling the pot with water until the water covers the top of the turkey. Once you remove your turkey, the remaining water level indicates how high you will want to fill the pot with oil when it’s time to fry the turkey.
• Turn pot handles inward. Prevent accidents by keeping pot handles out of reach from children and away from the edge of the stove where someone might bump into them.
• Have a fire extinguisher ready. In addition to having an extinguisher on hand, make sure you understand how to use it if needed. If a fire becomes unmanageable, evacuate your home immediately and call 911.
• Keep kids and pets away from cooking areas. Ensure young children and pets maintain a safe distance of at least three feet from indoor and outdoor cooking areas, especially when they’re playing.
• Use this as a teachable moment. Consider how you can involve your children in the cooking process while also teaching them how to do so safely.”