For Immediate Release

Monday, Nov. 14, 2016

Contact: John Guilfoil
Phone: 617-993-0003
Email: john@jgpr.net

Gloucester Fire Department Offers Holiday Cooking Safety Tips

GLOUCESTER — Fire Chief Eric Smith and Mayor Sefatia Romeo Theken would like to remind residents to be safe while preparing holiday meals this season.

“Always be aware of your surroundings while in the kitchen,” Chief Smith said. “Monitor items on the stove closely and be sure to keep children away from appliances to prevent injuries. If a fire occurs, immediately call 911.”

“We hope everyone has a safe holiday season,” Mayor Romeo Theken said. “We ask that residents take a moment to review key cooking guidelines to ensure this season is filled with only happy memories.”

According to the Massachusetts Department of Fire Services, cooking was the leading cause of residential fire injuries in 2015, resulting in four civilian deaths, 80 civilian injuries, 30 firefighter injuries and an estimated $10 million in property damage.

To avoid tragedy this season, Chief Smith and Mayor Romeo Theken recommend that residents follow several safety tips outlined by the Massachusetts Department of Fire Services:

• Stay in the kitchen when boiling, frying, or broiling food.
• Use a timer when baking or roasting and never leave the house while the oven is on.
• Move anything that can catch fire — pot holders, towels, paper or plastic bags — away from your stove top.
• In the event that a fire occurs on a stove top, put a lid on the burner and turn off the heat. Keep doors closed and the appliance off if a fire happens in an oven, broiler or microwave. Never throw water or use a fire extinguisher on a grease fire. Water will only spread the fire and the force of the extinguisher can splash flaming grease out of the pan.
• If your clothing catches fire, STOP, DROP and ROLL to put out the flames. Run cool water on burns or call 911 if the injury is serious.
• If the fire is not quickly snuffed out, leave the house and call the fire department.
• Keep children 3 feet away from the stove to prevent burns.
• Make sure all smoke and carbon monoxide alarms are working prior to the holiday.

Additionally, the National Fire Protection Association discourages the use of turkey fryers, as the amount and high temperature of the oil used can cause serious burns and injuries, and result in the destruction of property.

Residents who would like more information on holiday cooking safety should contact the Gloucester Fire Department at 978-281-9760.

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