As families across the nation prep for the culinary centerpiece of Thanksgiving, Queen Creek Fire & Medical (QCFMD) is sparking awareness about the increased risk of home cooking fires during the holiday season. According to data from the National Fire Protection Association highlighted by QCFMD, Thanksgiving takes the unfortunate top spot for home cooking fires. To help keep celebrations from turning into emergencies, the department advises residents to follow a set of safety tips, ensuring everyone can enjoy their turkey without extra fumes.
QCFMD underscores the importance of staying present when you're frying, grilling, or boiling food. Kitchens should not be left unattended; if necessary, they recommend always turning off the stove before stepping away. A completely thawed turkey, clear of any ice, is another key detail in these safety guidelines, as is keeping children a safe distance from hot surfaces and objects.
And for those unexpected pan fires, the department's mantra is clear: "place a lid on the pan and turn off the burner." Queen Creek's proactive approach extends beyond immediate fire prevention. Emphasizing environmental consciousness, they offer a free recycling program for cooking oil – a far better alternative than the havoc that improper disposal can wreak on plumbing and water quality.
Locals are encouraged to bring their used oil to the year-round grease collection sites, including Fire Station 2 and the QC Recycle Center, according to the Town's anno.