TRAVERSE CITY -- Amidst all the Thanksgiving festivities it's easy to get distracted--which is why Thanksgiving is the top day for cooking fires.
7&4's Kate Fox spoke to the Grand Traverse Metro Fire Department and State Farm Insurance who have some tips on how to cook with caution this upcoming turkey day.
Grand Traverse Metro Fire Department's Fire & Life Safety Public Educator Meredith Hawes says "You'll see three times more fires on thanksgiving day then you'll see on an average day and on Thanksgiving you'll see 460 deaths related to home fire cooking."
State Farm Manager of Fire Claims says "My unit alone, I usually see one or two claims just from Thanksgiving day."
The leading factor in these Turkey day fires is leaving cooking appliances unattended which lead to dangerous grease fires.
Hawes says, "All these fires are largely human error--another issue related to stove top cooking is grease fires and so make sure you have lids handy..never put water on top of a grease fire...slide that lid over...and turn that heat source off."
Another cause of fires comes from the choice to deep fry your turkey, which is very risky.
Hawes says, "They tend to be very unstable and can tip over. If you can imagine several gallons of hot oil or grease spilling out, not only the fire risk but burn risk to people."
Hawes shares some tips as to how to deep fry your turkey without any mishaps. She says, "Be sure you're cooking outdoors in a wide open space with a very flat surface and you don't leave it unattended."
Both Hawes and Merrell say that although cooking fires are the biggest concern, they urge you to be alert and cautious even while entertaining this holiday season.
Merrell says he has seen fires start from people being, "Careless with candles, or they light their wood burners for the first time that are not maintained properly."
Hawes says, "Be sure that your extinguishing candles before you leave the room and you are aware of pets so they don't get knocked over. Also if you have smokers in your home urge them to smoke outside and put cigarettes out completely."
For more tips on how you can safely cook your Thanksgiving day meal CLICK HERE.
