Red Cross offers steps to help prevent Thanksgiving cooking fires

FOX23 News at 9 p.m.

CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo., (KBSI) — Thanksgiving and the day before are the top two days of the year for home cooking fires in the United States. Cooking causes an average of 158,400 home fires annually — 44% of all home fires nationwide. The American Red Cross of Southeast Missouri and Northeast Arkansas are urging families to follow simple safety steps while preparing Thanksgiving meals.

“Cooking is the leading cause of home fires, home fire injuries and the second leading cause of home fire deaths,” said the chapter’s executive director. “Most happen because people leave food unattended. We want everyone to have a safe, enjoyable holiday, so don’t leave the kitchen while you’re cooking.”

The Red Cross recommends the following safety measures. More information, including how to create and practice a fire escape plan, is available at redcross.org/fire.

• Stay in the kitchen when frying, grilling or broiling food. If you must leave, even briefly, turn off the stove.
• Use a timer to remind yourself the stove or oven is on.
• Avoid wearing loose clothing or dangling sleeves while cooking.
• Keep children and pets at least three feet away from cooking areas.
• Keep flammable items — potholders, oven mitts, wooden utensils, paper or plastic bags, food packaging, and towels or curtains — away from the stovetop, oven and any heat-producing appliance.
• Clean cooking surfaces regularly to prevent grease buildup.
• Consider keeping a fire extinguisher in the kitchen.
• Always check the kitchen before going to bed or leaving home to ensure all appliances are turned off.

Smoke alarms are also critical. Install a smoke alarm near the kitchen, on every level of the home, near sleeping areas and inside and outside bedrooms if doors are closed at night. Test alarms monthly and replace batteries at least once a year. Households that cannot afford smoke alarms or cannot install them may be eligible for assistance through the Red Cross.

Since launching in October 2014, the Red Cross Home Fire Campaign and its community partners have saved at least 2,196 lives by educating families, helping them create escape plans and installing free smoke alarms in high-risk communities. Learn more at Take Action To Prevent Home Fires | Red Cross.