Be smart and safe while cooking this Thanksgiving

Only use a turkey fryer outside and away from your home.

Reno, Nevada. Nov. 20, 2015. Truckee Meadows Fire Protection District (TMFPD) is reminding residents to be mindful about cooking safety, especially as the Thanksgiving holiday approaches.

According to the National Fire Protection Association, more house fires take place involving cooking equipment on Thanksgiving than any other day of the year.

“If you are frying, grilling or broiling food, stay in the kitchen so you can keep an eye on the food,” TMFPD Fire Marshal Amy Ray said. “Be aware of the danger turkey fryers can pose. Turkey fryer fires can be explosive and result in serious burns. Only use a turkey fryer outside and away from your home. Never use a turkey fryer in the garage or under porches, and don’t overfill the oil or leave the turkey fryer unattended.”

Additional safety tips to remember:

• Stay in the kitchen when you are cooking on the stovetop so you can keep an eye on the food.
• Stay in the home when you are cooking the turkey and check on it frequently.
• Only use turkey fryers outside and make sure you constantly attend to the fryer while cooking.
• Keep children away from the stove. The stove will be hot and kids should stay 3 feet away.
• Make sure kids stay away from hot food and liquids to avoid burns.
• Keep matches and lighters out of the reach of children.
• Make sure your smoke alarms are working by testing them.
• Practice your home escape plan.

For more information, contact the Truckee Meadows Fire Protection District Division of Fire Prevention at 775-326-6000.

TMFPD also has ash cans available to residents. Applications can be found on the TMFPD website.