Here are some tips for spending Thanksgiving safely and preventing kitchen fires

NEWPORT NEWS, Va. — Thanksgiving is this week and while you’re preparing your meals, fire departments want you to keep safety in mind.

The kitchen is the heart of the home, so you don’t want to see it catch on fire. Kitchen fires are the leading cause of fires and injuries in homes. The Newport News Fire Department shares tips on how you can enjoy these delicious meals safely.

“The biggest thing we’re dealing with is people frying their turkeys. We just want you to be careful with cooking oils,” said Newport News Fire Department Chief Wesley Rogers .

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Fry the big bird! Yes, it’s delicious to eat, but firefighters say it’s one of the main ways to start a fire, if you don’t do it correctly. You should only fry a turkey outdoors and away from home and never fry a turkey in the garage or on the porch. Firefighters also say to stay close to the pan.

Do not cook or leave the kitchen unattended, as this may cause a stove, grease, or oven fire. There’s also one thing the fire chief says you always want to have in your home.

“Always make sure your smoke detectors are working. Make sure they are properly checked and tested, especially with lots of people in your home. You want to make sure that in the event of an emergency, everything the world knows and can get out safely,” said Chief Rogers.

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Deputy Chief Jovon Stafford shares some additional tips:

• Establish a 3-foot “child and pet free zone” around any area where hot food or drinks are prepared. Organize activities that keep children out of the kitchen during this busy time. Outside of the kitchen, plan games, puzzles, books, etc. to keep them busy. Children can also participate in the preparations with recipes that can be made outside of the kitchen. Just in case, turn the stove and counter handles inward to avoid spills.
• Keep a lid nearby when cooking to smother small grease fires. Smother the heat by sliding the lid onto the pan, turning off the burner, then leaving the pan covered until it cools.
• Eliminate clutter in the kitchen. A clean work area allows for greater efficiency and reduces the risk of accidents.
• Keep matches and lighters out of reach of children’s curious hands.
• Do not leave burning candles unattended or where children or pets can knock them over.

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If you must use a fire extinguisher, you must use the PASS method. Pull the pin, aim at the nozzle, squeeze the handle and sweep the fire.