Three times as many fires occur on Thanksgiving as on a typical day, according to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA). Most are related, not surprisingly, to cooking. With that in mind, Franklin Fire Marshal Andy King serves up advice on what to do should you encounter a cooking fire:
· Stovetop grease fire: Never use water to extinguish a grease fire. Smother the flames by sliding a lid over the pan and turning off the burner. Leave the pan covered until it is completely cooled. Call 911, even if you think the fire is out.
· Oven or microwave fire: Turn off the heat or power and keep the door closed. Call 911.
· Turkey fryer fire: If you see smoke coming off your pot or oil, that’s a sign it has overheated and is nearing ignition. Shut it off and let the oil cool down. Keep a multi-purpose, “ABC” fire extinguisher close by in case a fire does start. Use it only after calling 911. To use your extinguisher remember the acronym “PASS”:
o Pull the pin
o Aim at the base of the fire
o Squeeze the handle
o Sweep back and forth from side to side until the fire is out
Finally, King says you may have as little as two minutes to escape a burning home. If fire or smoke is spreading, get everyone out of the house and call 911 immediately. NFPA statistics show that having a working smoke alarm cuts the chances of dying in a reported fire in half.
Actor William Shatner and the Illinois Fire Department partnered to create a video, highlighting how dangerous turkey fryers can be.
