DHSES Offers Tips to Prevent Seasonal Household Cooking Fires

The New York State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services (DHSES) today offered tips to prevent household fires in advance of traditional gatherings and increased cooking activities this holiday season. Cooking is one of the leading causes of home fires with approximately 1,400 home cooking fires occurring annually on Thanksgiving Day, which is more than three times the amount on any other day. DHSES and the State Office of Fire Prevention and Control (OFPC) offered some simple, but effective tips to staying safe while cooking during the holidays.

"This holiday season, as you enjoy time with friends and family, be mindful of the potential dangers cooking fires present and take precautions ahead of time to make sure you're prepared if one does occur," DHSES Commissioner Jackie Bray said, "We encourage New Yorkers and their guests to practice these safety measures so that all may have a happy holiday season."

State Fire Administrator James Cable said, "The center of many family activities during the holidays is usually in or near the kitchen, which is why it is so important to take precautions before engaging in cooking activities. The most important thing is basic safety - don't leave stoves or other cooking unattended and review the safety tips included here to be prepared should a stove top or oven fire occur."

Reduce fire dangers in your home by:

• Never leave cooking unattended.
• If you have a small fire while cooking on the stovetop, smother the flames by sliding a lid or baking sheet over the pan and turning off the burner until cooled.
• For an oven fire, turn off the heat and keep the oven door closed.
• Keep children away from the stove and areas where hot food is being prepared.
• More information

Fire protection specialists from the New York State Office of Fire Prevention and Control also warned New Yorkers of using fryers with cooking oil because spilled or splashed cooking oil can result in severe burn injuries.

A statewide burn ban remains in effect until November 30 due to increased fire risk. This burn ban prohibits the starting of outdoor fires statewide for purposes of brush and debris disposal, as well as uncontained campfires, and open fires used for cooking. Backyard fire pits and contained campfires less than three feet in height and four feet in length, width, or diameter are allowed, as are small, contained cooking fires. Burning garbage or leaves is prohibited year-round in New York State.

About the State Office of Fire Prevention and Control

The Office of Fire Prevention and Control delivers a wide breadth of services to firefighters, emergency responders, state and local government agencies, public and private colleges, and the citizens of New York. The office advances public safety through firefighter training, education, fire prevention, investigative, special operations, and technical rescue programs. The delivery of these essential services enables the office to make significant contributions to the safety of all of New York State.

About the Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services

The Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services provides leadership, coordination, and support to prevent, protect against, prepare for, respond to, recover from, and mitigate disasters and other emergencies. For more information, find DHSES on Facebook, on Twitter or visit dhses.ny.gov.

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