Thanksgiving 2018: Fire Marshal Urges Fire Safety For The Holiday

HOUSTON — Fried turkey has become a delicious mainstay of the Thanksgiving feast. In fact, there are many who are convinced it is far better than the traditional roasting or smoking of the holiday bird. But it can also be dangerous if you don't know what you're doing.

Officials warn that you could also cause a mishap in your kitchen whether you're frying or roasting your Thanksgiving bird, and the Harris County Fire Marshal's Office is asking everyone to be careful and have a safe Thanksgiving without burning down the house.

"Unattended cooking is by far the leading contributing factor in cooking fires and fire deaths in the United States," said Harris County Fire Marshal Laurie L. Christensen. "This Thanksgiving, we encourage everyone to practice cooking fire safety while celebrating with your families. Stay in the kitchen while cooking and keep an eye on what you are cooking."

The Harris County Fire Marshal's Office encourages residents to follow these safety tips this holiday season:

• Stay in the home when cooking your turkey and check on it frequently.
• Keep children away from the stove. The stove will be hot and children should stay 3 feet away.
• Make sure children stay away from hot food and liquids. The steam or splash from vegetables, gravy or coffee could cause serious burns.
• Keep the floor clear so you don’t trip over children, toys, pocketbooks or bags.
• Keep knives out of the reach of children.
• Be sure electric cords from an electric knife, coffee maker, plate warmer or mixer are not dangling off the counter within easy reach of a child.
• Keep matches and utility lighters out of the reach of children — up high in a locked cabinet.
• Never leave children alone in room with a lit candle.
• Make sure your smoke alarms work. Test them by pushing the test button.
• If you're frying a turkey, make sure it is thawed because a frozen turkey will cause a fire with super heated oil.
• Frying a turkey should also be done outside in a fryer, and not on the stove top.
• If you're frying a turkey, make sure you have a fire extinguisher nearby.

For additional information about cooking safety or fire safety, contact the Harris County Fire Marshal's Office at (713) 274-1700 or visit www.hcfmo.net.

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Image: Firefighter Bob Perez prepares to lower a 13 pound turkey into a pot of boiling oil during a safety demonstration Nov. 26, 2003 in San Leandro, California. Serious home fires and fatalities have been linked to deep-frying turkeys in homes on stovetops. Turkey fryers should be used outdoors, a safe distance away from buildings and other combustible materials. (Photo by Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)

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