For Immediate Release

Monday, Nov. 23, 2015

Contact: John Guilfoil
Phone: 617-993-0003
Email: john@jgpr.net

Groveland Fire Provides Holiday Cooking Safety Tips 

GROVELAND – As Thanksgiving quickly approaches and residents prepare to host family and friends at their homes, Chief Robert Lay and the Groveland Fire Department would like to remind the community about best practices while cooking to prevent fires and injuries.

“Remain alert while in the kitchen and know the steps to take if an accidental fire does occur,” Chief Lay said. “We hope everyone has a safe and happy Thanksgiving.”

According to the Massachusetts Department of Fire Services, cooking was the leading cause of residential fire injuries in 2014, resulting in two civilian deaths, 83 civilian injuries, 22 firefighter injuries and an estimated $11.8 million in property damage. To avoid tragedy this season, Chief Lay recommends residents follow several safety tips outlined by State Fire Marshal Stephen Coan:

• Stay in the kitchen when boiling, frying, or broiling food.
• Use a timer when baking or roasting and never leave the house while the oven is on.
• Move anything that can catch fire — pot holders, towels, paper or plastic bags — away from your stove top.
• In the event that a fire occurs on a stove-top, put a lid on the burner and turn off the heat. Keep doors closed and the appliance off if a fire happens in an oven, broiler or microwave. Never throw water or use a fire extinguisher on a grease fire. Water will only spread the fire and the force of the extinguisher can splash flaming grease out of the pan.
• If your clothing catches fire, STOP, DROP and ROLL to put out the flames. Run cool water on burns or call 911 if the injury is serious.
• If the fire is not quickly snuffed out, leave the house and call the fire department.
• Keep children 3 feet away from the stove to prevent burns.
• Make sure all smoke and carbon monoxide alarms are working prior to the holiday.

The National Fire Protection Association discourages the use of turkey fryers, as they can lead to devastating burns, injuries and the destruction of property due to the large amount and high temperature of oil used.

For more information or questions contact the Groveland Fire Department at 978-374-1922.

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