American Red Cross provides tips for avoiding fires on Thanksgiving

(File Photo of the American Red Cross logo)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Pittsburgh, PA) According to a release from Nicole Roschella from the American Red Cross, 44% of all home fires in the United States are caused by cooking fires, which in turn, has produced an average of 158,400 home fires each year. Roschella also states some tips that the American Red Cross provides to not cause a fire on Thanksgiving:

  • Use a timer to remind yourself that the stove or oven is on. 
  • Stay in the kitchen when you are frying, grilling or broiling food. If you must leave the kitchen for even a short period of time, turn off the stove. 
  • Avoid wearing loose clothing or dangling sleeves while cooking. 
  • Keep kids and pets at least three feet away from cooking areas. 
  • Keep anything that can catch on fire — potholders, oven mitts, wooden utensils, paper or plastic bags, food packaging, and towels or curtains — away from your stove top and oven or any other appliance that generates heat. 
  • Clean cooking surfaces on a regular basis to prevent grease buildup. 
  • Consider purchasing a fire extinguisher to keep in your kitchen. 
  • Always check the kitchen before going to bed or leaving home to make sure all stoves, ovens and small appliances are turned off.