For Immediate Release

Wednesday, Nov. 14, 2018

Contact: Benjamin Paulin
Phone: 781-428-3299
Email: ben@jgpr.net

Raynham Fire Department Provides Holiday Cooking Safety Tips

RAYNHAM — As residents prepare to celebrate Thanksgiving next week, Fire Chief James T. Januse and the Raynham Fire Department would like to provide several important cooking safety tips.

“Our goal is for everyone to have a safe and joyous holiday,” Chief Januse said. “Always be aware of your surroundings while in the kitchen, and if a fire does occur, immediately call 911.”

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 Januse recommends that residents follow several safety tips outlined by the Massachusetts Department of Fire Services:

• Stay in the kitchen when cooking to keep a close eye on the food, especially when frying and sauteing with oil.
• Use a timer to keep track of cooking times, most notably when cooking a meal that takes a long time like roasting a turkey, baking a roast or simmering. Check the stove or oven frequently. Consider putting timers in different rooms so that you can hear them over music, football games and party chatter.
• Stay alert and focused when cooking. To help minimize the risk of injury, avoid cooking when drinking alcohol or if you’re sleepy.
• Keep things that can catch fire like oven mitts, wooden utensils, food wrappers and towels away from the cooking area.
• Kids should stay 3 feet away from stove tops, as well as from hot food and liquids. The steam or splash from vegetables, or gravy could cause serious burns.

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 Raynham Fire Department at 508-824-2713.

###