By Dave Skutnik

Thanksgiving and the day before are the top two days in this country for the chance of a cooking fire to happen in someone’s home. Cooking causes an average of 158,400 home fires per year, which is 44% of all home fires in the United States. The American Red Cross Southeastern Pennsylvania Region offers safety steps everyone can follow if they will be preparing their family’s Thanksgiving feast.

“Cooking is the leading cause of home fires, home fire injuries and the second leading cause of home fire deaths,” said Jennifer Graham, regional CEO for the American Red Cross in Southeastern Pennsylvania. “Most happen because people leave cooking food unattended. We want everyone to have a safe, enjoyable holiday, so don’t leave the kitchen while you’re cooking.”

COOKING SAFETY TIPS

Follow these safety tips and visit redcross.org/fire for more information, including a fire escape plan to practice with your family.

• Stay in the kitchen when you are frying, grilling or broiling food. If you must leave the kitchen for even a short period of time, turn off the stove.
• Use a timer to remind yourself that the stove or oven is on.
• Avoid wearing loose clothing or dangling sleeves while cooking.
• Keep kids and pets at least three feet away from cooking areas.
• Keep anything that can catch on fire — potholders, oven mitts, wooden utensils, paper or plastic bags, food packaging, and towels or curtains — away from your stove top and oven or any other appliance that generates heat.
• Clean cooking surfaces on a regular basis to prevent grease buildup.
• Consider purchasing a fire extinguisher to keep in your kitchen.
• Always check the kitchen before going to bed or leaving home to make sure all stoves, ovens and small appliances are turned off.

Smoke alarms save lives. Install a smoke alarm on each level of your home, near sleeping areas, and inside bedrooms. Use the test button to check it each month. Replace all batteries at least once a year. If you cannot afford to purchase smoke alarms or are physically unable to install one, the Red Cross can help. Visit redcross.org/philly or call 215-299-4029 for more information.

HOME FIRE CAMPAIGN SAVES LIVES

Since October 2014, the Red Cross Home Fire Campaign, working with community partners, has saved at least two dozen lives in Southeastern Pennsylvania by educating families about fire safety, helping them create escape plans and installing free smoke alarms. To learn more about the campaign and how you can get involved, visit redcross.org/homefires.