The Reno Fire Department (RFD) will conduct a turkey fryer fire demonstration to highlight the hazards associated with unsafe cooking on Thursday, November 20 at 11 a.m. at Reno Fire Station 3, located at 580 W Moana Ln. Reno Fire Marshal John Beck and Northern Nevada Red Cross Executive Director Bridget Posson will share important safety information ahead of Thanksgiving to reduce service calls this holiday. Members of the media are invited to attend for an interview opportunity.  

The National Fire Protection Association urges extra caution when preparing feasts this holiday. Thanksgiving is the peak day for home cooking fires with more than three times the daily average for fire incidents. Christmas Day and Christmas Eve ranked second and third, with both having nearly twice the daily average. 

“For most, the kitchen is the heart of the home, especially during the holidays. Unattended cooking is the leading contributing factor in these fires and fire fatalities,” said John Beck, Reno Fire Marshal. “We want to remind residents there are many things they can do to celebrate the holiday safely.”   

“The holidays bring joy but also increased fire risks. Working smoke alarms save lives, so make sure you have one on every level of your home and test them monthly.” said Bridget Posson, Executive Director, Northern Nevada Red Cross. “Simple steps like checking alarms and decorating safely can keep your family protected this season.” 

RFD offers the following safety tips: 

• Stay in the kitchen when you are cooking on the stove top so you can keep an eye on the food. 
• Stay in the home when cooking your turkey and check on it frequently. 
• Keep children away from the stove. The stove will be hot, and kids should stay three feet away. 
• Make sure kids stay away from hot food and liquids. Steam or splashes from vegetables, gravy or coffee could cause serious burns. 
• Keep knives out of reach of children. 
• Be sure electric cords from an electric knife, coffee maker, plate warmer or mixer are not dangling off the counter within easy reach of a child. 
• Keep matches and utility lighters out of the reach of children, up high in a locked cabinet. 
• Never leave children alone in a room with a lit candle.
• Keep the floor clear so you don’t trip over kids, toys, pocketbooks or bags. Make sure your smoke alarms are working. Test them by pushing the test button.  

Follow these safety tips when frying a turkey:  

• Fryers should always be used outdoors, on a solid level surface a safe distance from buildings and flammable materials.  
• Never use a fryer inside or on a wooden deck, under a patio cover, or in a garage.  
• Do not overfill a fryer.  
• Never leave a fryer unattended because, without thermostat controls, the oil will continue to heat until it catches fire.  
• Never let children or pets near the fryer when in use or after use as the oil can remain hot for hours. 
• Make sure the turkey is completely thawed before it is placed in a fryer.  Use well-insulated potholders or oven mitts and wear long sleeves and safety goggles to protect from splatter.  

If a fire occurs in the kitchen, calmly handle the situation following these tips:  

• Grease fires cause the most injuries.  
• Never pour water on a grease fire.  
• Smother it, if possible, and let it die out.  
• If grease ignites in your cooking pan, quickly put on an oven mitt and slide the lid over the flames as opposed to dropping the lid down from above. 
• Turn off the burner and leave the pan exactly where it is so that it can cool. 
• Never attempt to carry it outside or put it in the sink, as the fire can quickly spread to other combustibles or persons.  

If a fire occurs in the oven, immediately close the oven door and turn it off. If the fire doesn’t go out right away, evacuate and call the fire department.  

If a fire occurs in a microwave close the microwave door and keep it closed. Turn the microwave off and unplug it if you can do so safely. Leave it closed and don't use it again until you can have the appliance checked out by a technician.  

The Reno Fire Department also recommends the purchase of a multi-purpose (ABC-rated) Fire Extinguisher. To properly use a fire extinguisher just remember the acronym P.A.S.S.: pull the pin, aim the nozzle at the base of the fire, squeeze the trigger, sweep from side to side.  

Northern Nevada residents can receive free alarm inspections and installations by American Red Cross of Northern Nevada, through their Home Fire Campaign. For more program information and holiday fire safety tips visit the redcross.org.