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Hoosiers Encouraged To Be Alert When Cooking This Holiday Season

Last updated on Monday, November 20, 2017

(UNDATED) - Thanksgiving is the leading day for home cooking fires, and many home fires and related injuries are caused by unattended cooking.

During the hustle and bustle of this holiday season, the Indiana Department of Homeland Security and the State Fire Marshal are reminding citizens to remain attentive in the kitchen.

"Home cooking during the holiday season can be a major concern if important fire safety practices aren't followed," said Indiana State Fire Marshal Jim Greeson. "Every holiday season, cooking is a leading cause of home structure fires. It is important for Hoosiers to talk to their families about fire safety and what to do in the event of a fire in their home."

The following are some important safety tips that are applicable year-round, but are especially important during the holiday season.

Kitchen Safety

More than half of non-fatal home cooking fire injuries occur when residents try to fight the fire themselves. Below are tips for addressing kitchen fires. When deep-frying a turkey, up to five gallons of oil must be heated before placing the turkey into the device. Tests have shown that some turkey fryers are not sturdy and can easily tip over, allowing hot oil to spill and creating a serious risk of fire or scalding. When deep-frying a turkey, follow these safety tips: "The holiday season is also an important time to make sure households have working smoke alarms on all levels of the home, including the basement and outside of every sleeping area," said Greeson. "Smoke alarms save lives, giving occupants the much needed time to escape in the event of a fire." For more information about fire safety in the home, visit GetPrepared.in.gov.

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