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Ensure Safety This Holiday Season: Cooking Tips from CPSC

As families across the United States prepare to celebrate Thanksgiving, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) is issuing an urgent reminder about the increased dangers of cooking-related incidents during the holiday season. With almost half of residential fires caused by cooking, the CPSC underscores the importance of vigilance in the kitchen, especially on this busy holiday.

The Alarming Statistics

According to the CPSC's report titled "Residential Fire and Loss Estimates," 45% of annual residential fire incidents are attributed to cooking mishaps. The issue becomes even more pronounced on Thanksgiving Day, where the average number of cooking fires soars to approximately 1,400—more than triple the daily average. Peter A. Feldman, interim chairman of the CPSC, notes, "Every year, we witness preventable fires and injuries resulting from cooking accidents during the holidays. We urge everyone to stay alert in the kitchen; just a few minutes of distraction can turn joyous festivities into a tragedy."

Essential Cooking Safety Tips

To ensure a safer cooking experience this Thanksgiving, consider these practical safety tips outlined by the CPSC:
1. Never leave food cooking unattended—always keep an eye on the pot!
2. Keep children and pets at least three feet away from the cooking area. It's essential to create a safe zone, especially with so much activity around.
3. Store flammable items, such as oven mitts, wooden utensils, and food packaging, away from the stove.
4. Turn pot and pan handles inward to prevent spills and accidental burns.
5. In case of a grease fire, cover the flames using a lid or cookie sheet and turn off the heat. Do not use water to extinguish grease fires, as this can aggravate the situation.
6. Have a fire extinguisher ready and know how to use it. Knowing the proper techniques can be lifesaving.

Special Considerations for Turkey Fryers

Turkey fryers pose unique risks; they can lead to significant fires, injuries, and property damage. To safely utilize a turkey fryer, remember these four steps:

• - Follow the manufacturer's guidelines meticulously. Each fryer has specific instructions that are crucial for safety.
• - Ensure the fryer is outdoors, away from garages, decks, and homes to prevent flare-ups and accidents.
• - Use oil with a high smoke point, and never overheat it. Monitoring oil temperature is key to preventing fires.
• - Mind the oil levels to avoid overflow, which can lead to dangerous cooking disasters.

Additional Safety Measures

In addition to kitchen vigilance, it is crucial to have functional smoke alarms installed in every level of your home, particularly outside sleeping areas and inside bedrooms. These alarms are your first line of defense in case of fire, providing early warning to evacuate.

For more information and additional safety tips during the holiday season, visit the CPSC’s Holiday Safety Information Center.

About the CPSC

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission is responsible for protecting the public from unreasonable hazards associated with consumer products. The cost of injuries, fatalities, and property damage due to consumer product incidents exceeds $1 trillion annually. Established over 50 years ago, the CPSC focuses on ensuring safety, contributing to a decline in product-related injuries.

Federal law prohibits the sale of products subject to a CPSC-ordered recall or voluntarily recalled in consultation with the commission.

For additional information:

• - Visit SafeguardConsumer.gov.
• - Get electronic alerts.
• - Follow us on social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, X, BlueSky, Threads, LinkedIn, and Truth Social.
• - Report dangerous products or injuries at www.SaferProducts.gov.
• - Call our information line at 800-638-2772 (TTY 800-638-8270).

Stay safe and enjoy a joyful holiday season with family and friends!