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Ensuring Safety While Cooking This Holiday Season

As families gear up for Thanksgiving celebrations, safety in the kitchen becomes paramount. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has issued an important reminder: the holiday season is recognized as the most perilous time for cooking-related fires and injuries.

According to a recent report by the CPSC, a staggering 45% of residential fires are attributed to cooking incidents. Particularly on Thanksgiving Day, the number of cooking-related fires escalates, with an average of 1,400 incidents reported—this is more than three times the average seen on regular days.

The Call for Vigilance

Peter A. Feldman, Acting Chairman of the CPSC, emphasizes the heightened risks during the holidays. He said, "Every year, we encounter preventable fires and injuries stemming from cooking mishaps during this festive time. We are urging everyone to maintain focus in the kitchen, as a few moments of distraction can lead to tragic outcomes."

Practical Cooking Safety Tips from CPSC

To keep your holidays cheerful, the CPSC advocates adhering to a set of straightforward cooking safety guidelines:

1. Never leave cooking unattended - Stay close while preparing meals!
2. Keep children and pets at a safe distance - Maintain a minimum distance of three feet from the cooking area.
3. Remove flammable materials - Ensure items like oven mitts, wooden utensils, and food packaging stay clear of the stovetop.
4. Safeguard pot handles - Turn them inward to avoid accidental spills or burns.
5. Handle grease fires correctly - In case of a grease fire, smother the flames with a lid and turn off the burner. Water should never be used on grease fires.
6. Have a fire extinguisher handy - Always know how to use it effectively.

Special Considerations for Turkey Fryers

Turkey fryers pose unique hazards that can lead to fires, injuries, and property damage. The CPSC advises following the COOK acronym when using a turkey fryer:

• - C: Carefully follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
• - O: Do not overheat oil; choose a high smoke point oil.
• - O: Never overfill oil in the fryer.
• - K: Keep the fryer away from the garage, deck, and house.

Furthermore, it is essential to ensure that every level of your home, including outside sleeping areas and inside bedrooms, has a functioning smoke alarm.

For those looking for more comprehensive holiday safety insights, visit the CPSC’s Holiday Safety Information Center.

About the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission

The CPSC is a federal agency committed to safeguarding the public from unreasonable risks linked to consumer products. Annually, incidents related to consumer products lead to over $1 trillion in costs from fatalities, injuries, and property damages. Since its inception over five decades ago, the CPSC has been instrumental in enhancing product safety, contributing to a noticeable decline in injuries associated with consumer goods. To prevent dangerous situations, federal regulations bar the sale of products that have been ordered for recall by the Commission.

For more information, you can:

• - Visit CPSC.gov for lifesaving advice.
• - Sign up for email alerts.
• - Follow CPSC on social media platforms including Facebook, Instagram, X, BlueSky, Threads, LinkedIn, and Truth Social.
• - Report unsafe products or injuries related to products at www.SaferProducts.gov.
• - Call the CPSC hotline at 800-638-2772 (TTY 800-638-8270) for assistance.

By adhering to these safety tips, families can help ensure that their Thanksgiving is both enjoyable and free from cooking-related hazards.