Firefighters offer tips on safe holiday cooking

BANGOR- The Bangor Fire Department wishes everyone a safe Thanksgiving and would like to give a few fire safety tips for the holidays.

General cooking tips:

. Don’t leave food cooking unattended. Check it regularly and use timers to remind you.

. Keep cooking areas clean and clear of combustibles such as towels, potholders and food packaging.

. Wear shirts with short, rolled-up or close-fitting sleeves.

. Establish a three-foot “kid-free” zone around the oven and stove to reduce the chances of accidental burns.

For turkey fryers:

. Set up the fryer outside on a level, flat and noncombustible surface, such as a driveway. Don’t use the fryer on a wooden deck or inside the garage.

. Never leave the fryer unattended. Many fryers do not have thermostat controls, which means they will continue to heat until the flame is turned down or the oil catches on fire.

. Keep children and pets away from fryers while in use and for several hours after, as the oil will still be hot.

. Don’t overfill the fryer, and make sure the turkey is completely thawed. Adding a partially thawed turkey to the fryer can result in the oil spilling.

. Use well-insulated potholders or mitts to handle the pot.

. Keep an ABC or BC fire extinguisher nearby in case of fire.

If a fire starts:

. In a pan: Put on an oven mitt and use a lid to smother the fire by sliding the lid over the pan. Turn off the burner and keep the lid on the pan for 10-15 minutes.

. In the oven: Turn off the heat and keep the door shut. If the fire does not go out within a minute, call 911 and use a fire extinguisher on the fire.

. In the microwave: Keep the door closed and unplug the microwave. Call 911 and use a fire extinguisher if the fire does not go out within a minute.

For information, contact your local fire department or the Bangor Fire Department’s Fire Prevention Bureau.