Md. Fire Marshal Gives Fire Safety Tips For A Safe Holiday Season

BALTIMORE (WJZ) -- Governor Larry Hogan and the Maryland State Fire Marshal are offering fire safety tips to keep your homes safe while cooking and spending time with family during the holidays.

Make sure your smoke alarms are working

Fire safety officials say you should test your smoke alarms and ensure your guests are aware of all available exits if a fire were to occur. You should also establish a designated emergency location for everyone to meet and be accounted for

When you're cooking, stay in the kitchen

The leading cause of fires in the kitchen is unattended cooking. Fire safety experts say you should stay in the kitchen when using the stove top so you can keep an eye on the food.

"Kids & Pets-Free Zone"

Fire safety officials recommend you have a three-foot "no children or pets" boundary around any area where hot foods or drinks are prepared. Have activities that keep kids out of the kitchen when its busy. You could provide games, puzzles, books and other things outside of the kitchen area. And just in case, you should also turn your cooking pot handles inward on the stove and counter top to avoid messy spills.

Keep a lid near it

Safety officials recommend that you keep a lid nearby when you're cooking to smother small grease fires. You can do that by sliding the lid over the pan and turning off the burner. Then leave the pan covered until it's cooled.

Keep it clean

Fire safety officials say you should keep anything combustible -- oven mitts, wooden utensils, food packaging, towels -- away from the stove top when you're not using them. Eliminating clutter in the kitchen as a whole would be best because a clean work area allows for better efficiency and less chances for mishaps.

Matches and Lighters

Fire safety officials also recommend going over the old "don't play with fire" routine with small children. Not only should children not play with matches and lighters, but leaving lit candles unattended where they can be knocked over is a safety hazard as well.

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Turkey Fryer Safety

• Many turkey fryer appliances can be easily tipped over, allowing for hot oil spillage. Ensure you place them on a hard, level and non-combustible outdoor surface.
• Do not place a turkey fryer under an overhang or temporary roof. A flare up can easily ignite materials above the appliance.
• Partially frozen turkeys can cause a spill over and result in a flare-up. Thoroughly thaw the turkey before cooking.
• Turn off the burner before placing the turkey in the container. Re-ignite the burner after you are sure it is safe to do so.
• Constantly monitor the temperature of the oil. It can easily reach temperatures to the point of combustion.
• Be careful not to overfill the fryer. Follow manufacturer's guidelines for proper filling levels.
• The handles and lid will get dangerously hot. Use well insulated potholders or oven mitts.
• Never leave the fryer unattended while cooking. Keep an all-purpose (ABC) fire extinguisher on hand.  Do not use water in an attempt to extinguish a grease fire.

Following these simple guidelines for fire and life safety will help to ensure a tragedy free holiday meal.  Have a safe and enjoyable Thanksgiving!