Family gatherings are often associated with lots of cooking. It can also mean more fires.
Thanksgiving is the leading day of the year for home fires involving cooking equipment. So the Biloxi Fire Department is asking residents to keep an eye on what they cook this Thanksgiving.
“Cooking safety is essential to prevent accidents,” Biloxi Fire Chief Nick Geiser said. “It also helps to ensure a pleasant and successful cooking experience during the holidays.”
Here are some key fire cooking safety tips:
- Location and Equipment:
- Choose a safe location for your cooking activities, away from flammable materials and structures.
- Use appropriate cooking equipment such as grills and stoves that are in good working condition.
- Supervision:
- Never leave your cooking unattended, especially when using an open flame or hot equipment.
- Fire Extinguishers:
- Have a fire extinguisher nearby and know how to use it. Different types of fires (grease, electrical, wood) require different extinguishing methods.
- Flammable Materials:
- Keep flammable materials like paper towels, dishcloths, and aerosol cans away from the cooking area.
- Clothing and Hair:
- Avoid loose clothing that can catch fire and tie back long hair.
- Proper Ventilation:
- Ensure proper ventilation when cooking indoors to prevent the buildup of harmful gases.
- Children and Pets:
- Keep children and pets at a safe distance from cooking areas and hot surfaces.
- Flame Control:
- Be mindful of controlling flames and flare-ups when grilling.
- Oil and Grease:
- Be cautious when using oil and grease; they can splatter and cause fires. Use a deep fryer for deep-frying and keep a lid nearby to smother grease fires.
- Proper Storage:
- Store propane tanks and other flammable materials in a safe place, away from direct sunlight and heat sources.
- Emergency Plan:
- Have an emergency plan in place, including knowing how to call for help and the nearest exit or escape route in case of a fire.
By following these fire cooking safety guidelines, the culinarians can minimize the risks associated with cooking and enjoy their culinary endeavors while keeping themselves and others safe.
YouTube: Holiday Cooking Safety Tips
News & notes: Weekly reports, council, holiday closings
The week that was: Weekly reports from the departments of Police, Fire, Community Development, and Engineering are now online for your review. To see the reports from last week and an archive of weekly reports, click here.
City Council: The Biloxi City Council held a regularly scheduled meeting this afternoon at Biloxi City Hall. To see the recording of the meeting, click here.
Closings: All non-emergency city offices will be closed on Thursday, Nov. 23, and Friday, Nov. 24 in observance of Thanksgiving. The Biloxi Visitors Center will be closed on Thanksgiving Day and will reopen on Friday, Nov. 24 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
