For Immediate Release

Tuesday, Nov. 24, 2015

Contact: John Guilfoil
Phone: 978-841-9948
Email: john@jgpr.net

Maynard Fire Department Provides Holiday Cooking Safety Tips

MAYNARD — As residents prepare to gather with family and friends for Thanksgiving this week, Chief Anthony Stowers and the Maynard Fire Department ask that residents remember to use caution while preparing their holiday meals.

“We want everyone to consider these safety tips as they prepare meals this week,” Chief Stowers said. “Increased activity in the kitchen can create a more dangerous environment, and we want to be sure that everyone can safely enjoy their holiday.”

According to the Massachusetts Department of Fire Services, cooking was the leading cause of residential fire injuries in 2014, resulting in two civilian deaths, 83 civilian injuries, 22 firefighter injuries and an estimated $11.8 million in property damage.

To avoid tragedy this season, Chief Stowers recommends residents follow several safety tips outlined by State Fire Marshal Stephen Coan:

• 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 — at least three feet away from your stove top.
• Before starting or lighting the oven and stove top, check for any items that could catch fire.
• 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.
• Never fry a frozen turkey.

The National Fire Protection Association discourages the use of turkey fryers, as they can lead to devastating burns, injuries and the destruction of property due to the large amount and high temperature of oil used.

The Maynard Fire Department will conduct free home safety visits for residents to ensure smoke detectors are working properly. For more information or questions, contact the Maynard Fire Department at 978-897-1015.

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