CFD encourages cooking safety
With Thanksgiving in the next few days, fire officials sent a reminder of cooking safety.
The Columbia Fire Department reminded residents to “Watch What You Heat!” during their Thanksgiving holiday in an effort to avoid turning the day of thanks into a tragedy, a CFD news releases stated. Unattended cooking has been reported as the leading cause of residential fires. So far in 2009, CFD has responded to 88 fires due to unattended cooking.
CFD also stated in the news release to never leave cooking food on the stove top unattended. CFD recommends to keep the cooking area clean and clear, do not use a deep fryer or other open flame items on decks or combustible surfaces and keep children away from the cooking areas.
According to the news release, several fires locally have been caused by deep fryers. These fires usually occur when the turkey is lowered into the hot oil and a “flash fire” occurs often causing burn injuries to the cook.
Underwriters Laboratories consumer affairs manager John Drengenberg said in the release that UL was worried by the increasing reports of fires related to turkey fryers. UL considers these devices to be dangerous.
“Based on our test findings, the fryers used to produce those great-tasting birds are not worth the risks,” Drengenberg said in the release. “And, as a result of these tests, UL has decided not to certify an turkey fryers with our trusted UL Mark.”
CFD also gave a few tips on how to react if a fire does occur.
Never throw water, flour or sugar on the fire, the news release stated. If available, use a fire extinguisher. For a small fire, place a lid or cookie sheet on the pot or pan. Turn off the burner and allow pan to cool before removing the cover.
According to the news release, if you have any doubts about your safety, evacuate the home and call 9-1-1 from a neighbor’s house.