Fire department provides tips for safe Thanksgiving

Every year nearly 4,200 fires flare up nationwide on Thanksgiving Day, causing 15 fatalities, 50 injuries and nearly $27 million in property damage, officials said. About 1,450 happen in homes, and almost every death occurs in a residential fire.

The Newport Beach Fire Department offers the following safety tips to keep the holidays as disaster free as possible:

 Check all smoke detectors to ensure proper operation. Test them monthly and replace batteries at least twice a year.

 Keep a fire extinguisher no more than 10 feet from the stove.

 Don’t wear clothing with loose sleeves or dangling jewelry while cooking.

 Never leave the stove unattended; if it’s necessary to leave the kitchen, turn off the stove or have someone else monitor it.

Also if using a turkey fryer:

 Cook with it only outdoors and a safe distance from buildings or plants. Never use on wooden decks or in garages.

 Make sure it’s on a stable surface.

 Don’t leave it unattended, or let children or pets near the fryer while on.

 Never put in a turkey that is not completely thawed.

 Be careful when using marinades. Oil and water don’t mix, and water makes the oil spill over. This could cause a fire or even an explosion.

— Kelly Strodl