Thanksgiving Kicks Off "Fire Season"

Don't be a statistic! Thanksgiving is officially the kick-off of "fire season"- the time of the year that you're most likely to accidentally burn down your home. Put safety first as you cook, decorate and attend family gatherings.

Cooking fires are the number one risk from Thanksgiving to New Years day, especially when those turkeys are getting dropped into the deep fryer, according to Missouri State Fire Marshal Tim Bean.

“Taking a few simple precautions can greatly reduce the risk of fires and have very little impact on family holiday traditions.”

Bean says you should never deep fry a turkey indoors, or in the garage, because it's easy to over estimate the amount of grease in the pot, which can easily pour over the top when you place the bird in the fryer. Deep fryers are also extremely easy to knock over, so use the turkey fryer outdoors, on a level surface away from the home, and where kids are playing to prevent a grease fire.

Candles and decorations are fire hazards as well.

From 2013 to 2017 fire departments across the US responded to an average of 780 home fires a year that began with decorations, excluding Christmas trees, and an average of 160 fires started by Christmas trees. 44 percent of decoration fires started because the item was too close to a heat source, like a candle. 20 percent of decoration fires start in the kitchen, and about 16 percent in the living room.

Remember these holiday fire safety tips when cooking: PRESERVED_BLOCK_0   Remember these fire safety tips concerning Christmas trees, candles and decorations: PRESERVED_BLOCK_1   Fire Marshal Bean reminds everyone to check smoke and carbon monoxide detectors along with fire extinguishers in advance of the holidays and entertaining to make sure they are working properly. Installing smoke alarms reduces the chance of dying in a fire by more than one-half. Also, review home fire escape plans with all family members and particularly with overnight guests who will be staying in a home they are not familiar with. Everyone, including guests, should know two ways out of each room in the residence.