Queen Creek fire offers cooking safety tips for Thanksgiving

Everyone loves a Thanksgiving feast, but cooking one increases the risk of home fires.

The Queen Creek Fire & Medical Department is offering the following cooking safety tips to help reduce the risk of fire this Thanksgiving:

• Never leave the kitchen while cooking on the stovetop. Some types of cooking, especially those that involve frying or sautéing with oil, need continuous attention.
• Be sure to thaw the turkey completely before cooking. When cooking a turkey, remain at home and check it regularly.
• Make use of timers to keep track of cooking times, particularly for foods that require longer cook times.
• Keep things that can catch fire like oven mitts, wooden utensils, food wrappers and towels at least 3 feet away from the cooking area.
• Avoid long sleeves and hanging fabrics that can come in contact with a heat source.
• Keep kids at least 3 feet away from the stove, oven, hot food and liquids.
• Always cook with a lid beside the pan. If a small grease fire starts, smother the flames by sliding the lid over the pan, then turn off the burner. Do not remove the cover because the fire could start again. Let the pan cool for a long time.
• If the fire does not go out or you don’t feel comfortable sliding a lid over the pan, get everyone out of your home and call the fire department from outside.

Another important step in keeping safe during the holidays is making sure smoke alarms are installed and working.

QCFMD recommends installing smoke alarms in every bedroom, outside each separate sleeping area and on each level of a house, a town press release state.

Residents should test smoke alarms at least once a month by pushing the test button. QCFMD also recommends replacing all smoke alarms when they are 10 years old.

The fire department offers a free smoke detector maintenance program. To learn more and request an appointment, visit QueenCreekAZ.gov/CommunityAssistance.