Prevent Fires and Injuries This Thanksgiving

CAL FIRE wants to warn residents about the many dangers that the Thanksgiving Holiday can present. The end of the year for most Americans means preparing for feasts, festivities and fun throughout the holiday season. But each year that joy is marred by tragedy when accidents and fires cause injuries and even death.

Thanksgiving remains the leading day for home cooking fires with 3 times as many cooking fires as an average day, according to statistics by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA). In fact, on Thanksgiving Day 2009, CAL FIRE crews responded to over 600 emergency incidents and sadly one person died in a home fire.

"Every holiday the number of emergencies CAL FIRE responds to increases," said Chief Ken Pimlott, acting CAL FIRE director. "While that's our job, we certainly don't want to respond to your home this Thanksgiving because there was a fire or someone was burned. "We want everyone to have a safe holiday season."

To help reduce the chance of fire and injuries associated with holiday cooking, follow these tips:

• Never leave cooking food unattended. Stay in the kitchen when you are frying, grilling, or broiling food.
• If you leave the kitchen for even a short period of time, turn off the stove.
• Cooking food should always be supervised by an adult.
• Turkey fryers should always be used outdoors a safe distance from buildings and other material that can burn. Never use on wooden decks or in garages.
• Children should not be permitted near a turkey fryer since hot oil can cause serious burn injuries.
• Provide a level surface that is free of ignitable materials when using turkey fryers.
• Make sure a fire extinguisher is handy at all times. Never use water to put out a grease fire.
• Use well-insulated potholders or oven mitts when touching pot or lid handles.

For more information go to http://www.fire.ca.gov/communications/communications_firesafety_holiday.php