El Paso Fire Department Tips On How To Avoid Cooking Fires On Tha

Thanksgiving is Thursday, but the El Paso Fire Department says it is also the day that sees a lot of fires in the home because of all the cooking going on. Here are a few safety tips they offer to keep you and your family safe:

1. Make sure you always have someone keeping an eye on the stove and oven if they are on.
2. Don't put anything flammable near the stove or oven. Kitchen towels, paper towels, oven mitts - there are a lot flammable things in the kitchen.
3. Be sure to turn off the stove and oven after you're through cooking. Seems obvious, but you're busy getting food on the table and might forget.

If you are going to use a turkey fryer, here are some safety tips to think about:

· keep outdoor fryers at least 10 feet away from all structures while cooking
· never fry on a wooden deck, in a garage or under any roof or awning
· make sure the turkey is completely thawed before cooking and it does not have any water
· place the fryer on a level surface
· place the propane tank at least 2 feet away from the fryer
· choose a turkey under 12 pounds for frying
· never leave fryers unattended while cooking
· don’t overheat the cooking oil
· turn off the burner while placing the turkey into the heated oil
· wear gloves and eye protection during the submersion process
· keep a fire extinguisher nearby for safety
· keep children and pets away from the fryer while cooking

If the worst happens and a fire does break out, get everyone outside and call 9-1-1. Do not try to fight the fire yourself.