CONNECTICUT, USA — Thanksgiving is one of the top days of the year for cooking-related fires in U.S. homes, with an average of 158,400 cooking fires occurring annually.
The American Red Cross in Connecticut urges safety precautions to prevent holiday fires.
“Cooking is the leading cause of home fires and injuries,” said Rebecca Johnson, regional disaster officer for the Red Cross. “Most fires happen when food is left unattended, so it’s important not to leave the kitchen while cooking.”
To reduce the risk of fire this holiday season, the Red Cross recommends staying in the kitchen when frying, grilling or broiling food, using timers and keeping flammable items away from heat sources. The organization also advises regular cleaning of cooking surfaces and the installation of smoke alarms.
Since 2014, the Red Cross’s Home Fire Campaign has saved more than 2,000 lives by educating families and installing free smoke alarms in at-risk areas. For more information on cooking fire safety and how to obtain a free smoke alarm, visit redcross.org/ct.
Cooking Fire Safety Tips:
• Stay in the kitchen when cooking.
• Use a timer as a reminder.
• Keep kids and pets away from the stove.
• Keep flammable items away from heat.
• Install smoke alarms on every floor.
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