As Thanksgiving and the Holidays approach, we all look forward to that traditional turkey dinner, all the fixings, and many holiday treats.  According to the NFPA (National Fire Protection Association), cooking fires are the leading cause of home structure fires, and Thanksgiving is the peak day for home cooking fires.  That is probably understandable, as you fill the kitchen with friends, family, food—we often get distracted. Now is a great time to clean out the oven before you start. Verde Valley Fire District would like to remind you of a few cooking safety tips to prevent injuries from burns and fires before you start.

• Keep potholders, dish towels, or anything that can catch on fire off the stove!
• Turn pot handles in so they cannot get pulled off or knocked off accidently and burn small children.  In addition, keep a 3 foot kid/pet free zone around the stove.
• Do keep an oven mitt and pot lid nearby when you are cooking.  If a small grease fire starts in a pan, put on an oven mitt, smother the flames by sliding the lid on the pan, and turn off the burner.  Wait until the pan cools before removing the lid.
• Don’t use a wet oven mitt, as it could present a scald danger if moisture is heated.
• Remember-stand by your pan.  Never leave the room with something cooking on the stove, especially if you are frying, grilling or broiling food.
• CAUTION:  Turkey fryers make wonderful juicy turkeys, however pose many dangers.  They use gallons of very hot cooking oil and the risk of this oil being spilled is significant.  Resulting injuries can be severe.  NFPA discourages the residential use of these fryers due to the enormous risk for injury and potential for severe burns.
• Avoid liquid or steam scalds from microwave cooking:  Follow precautions  and time recommendations when heating foods, use microwave safe containers, let food to cool for a minute or more before removing, and be sure to use oven mitts.  Hot steam escaping from the container can cause painful burns—open container so any remaining steam is directed away from you.  Be sure to stir food before eating.
• If you do have a fire in your oven when cooking, close the door and turn the oven off.  For a microwave fire, turn it off immediately and keep the door closed until the fire is completely out.
• When in doubt-get out and call 911