Written by Andrea Schuch, Cape Coral Fire Department

Cooking brings family and friends together, provides an outlet for creativity and can be relaxing. The kitchen is the heart of the home, especially at Thanksgiving. But did you know that cooking fires are the number one cause of home fires and home injuries and that Thanksgiving is the peak day for home cooking fires? Safety in the kitchen is important, especially on Thanksgiving Day when there is a lot of activity and people at home.

The Cape Coral Fire Department offers these tips to help you and your family have a safe and happy Thanksgiving:

• The leading cause of fires in the kitchen is unattended cooking. Most cooking fires in the home involve the stovetop. Stay in the kitchen while you are frying, grilling, or broiling food. If you leave the kitchen for even a short period of time, turn off the stove.
• Stay in the home when cooking your turkey and check on it frequently.
• Keep anything that can catch fire — oven mitts, wooden utensils, food packaging, towels or curtains— away from your stovetop.
• Have a “kid-free zone” of at least 3 feet around the stove and areas where hot food or drink is prepared or carried.
• Keep the floor clear so you don’t trip over kids, toys, pocketbooks or bags.

If you have a small cooking fire and decide to fight the fire…

• On the stovetop, smother the flames by sliding a lid over the pan and turning off the burner. Leave the pan covered until it is completely cooled. NEVER use water on a grease fire.
• For an oven fire, turn off the heat and keep the door closed.
• Call 911 and have the fire department respond. They can ensure that the fire is completely out and that it didn’t spread to other parts of the home. They can also help clear the smoke from the home.

If you have any doubt about fighting a small fire…

• Just get out! When you leave, close the door behind you to help contain the fire.
• Call 911 from outside the home.
• NEVER attempt to extinguish a large fire and never re-enter the house after leaving.

Kids love to be involved in holiday preparations. Have activities that keep them out of the kitchen during this busy time. Games, puzzles or books can keep them occupied. Or get them involved in Thanksgiving preparations with recipes that can be done outside the kitchen.

The Cape Coral Fire Department wishes everyone a safe and happy Thanksgiving!