LIMA, OH (WLIO) - Thanksgiving is a week away, and while you may have a lot of friends and family coming over, don't unexpectedly add the fire department to your guest list.
You also want to make sure you have a fire extinguisher handy just in case a fire does happen while you are cooking this holiday.
Cooking fires are three times more common on turkey day than on any other day of the year. Fire officials say to stay alert while you are cooking. People can get distracted while getting their home ready for guests, but that is when a spill in the oven or on the stove could lead to something bigger. Also, keep paper towels and napkins away from heated surfaces, and if you plan on deep frying a turkey, the Lima Fire Department has this advice.
"One of the things that people like to do is fry turkeys. I love fried turkey myself, but I also know it's an extreme hazard because people don't understand how to properly measure the oil. They don't fill it with water and put the turkey in first and take the turkey out and see what the level the oil should be at. But also making sure that it's not too close to the house. It should be done outside, but people like to do it in the garage because it's cold. It should be done outside, away from the home; just in case something does happen, it doesn't catch the house on fire," says Warren Pughsley, Lima Fire Inspector.
Cooking fires are three times more common on turkey day than on any other day of the year.
You also want to make sure you have a fire extinguisher handy just in case a fire does happen while you are cooking this holiday.
