The Lubbock Fire Department said Thanksgiving is the busiest day of the year for their first responders because home cooking fires peak during the month of November.
“Statistics show that home cooking fires double on thanksgiving day, compared to an average day of the year,” LFD Division Chief Steve Holland said.
Holland gave KLBK and EverythingLubbock.com safety tips to keep in mind to hopefully lower the amount of house fires this year.
“Number one just keeping your kitchen clean,” Holland said. “If you make a spill, clean it up. It could be a slip hazard or it could be spilled grease or something that could get on the stove.”
Hollands added to keep these cooking areas clear, “Keep all your flammables away from the stove top, such as dish rags paper towels keep those away.”
Turn pot handles away from the edge of the counter so someone does not hit them walking by.
Also, if deep fried turkey is on the menu, make sure it is cooked outside in the middle of the yard and away from a garage or porch in case it catches on fire.
“If that oil starts smoking, that means it’s almost to its ignition temperature so turn the heat down, turn it off, let the oil cool back down,” Holland said.
Find a copy of their safety tips on their Facebook page here.
