Red Cross Reminds Mainers Not to Burn Their Houses Down This Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving is almost here, and as families gear up for the biggest cooking day of the year, the Red Cross is reminding everyone to keep safety a top priority, especially if you’re deep frying a turkey.

Here in Maine, deep frying has become a popular Thanksgiving tradition, but when done incorrectly, it can quickly turn dangerous. The Red Cross says fryers should always be used outdoors and at least 10 feet away from homes, garages, decks, vehicles, or anything that can catch fire. They emphasize never frying a turkey in the garage or on a porch.

Before adding oil, measure the correct oil level by placing the turkey in the pot with water to see how much it displaces. Then remove the turkey, dump the water, and thoroughly dry both the pot and the bird. The turkey should be fully thawed and patted dry to avoid flare-ups.

Another key step, according to the American Red Cross, is to turn off the burner before lowering the turkey into the hot oil, and do it slowly to prevent splashing.

“When it comes to a turkey, you want to make sure to have a fire extinguisher nearby. Again, never add water and you want to call 911,” said Jennifer Costa, Red Cross Regional Communications Director.

According to the Red Cross, 80% of home fires on Thanksgiving are caused by cooking. That’s why they stress staying in the kitchen at all times when frying, grilling, or broiling—turkey included. Use a timer so you don’t forget something in the oven.

Other simple precautions include removing decorative towels from stove handles, clearing grease buildup from cooking surfaces, and keeping a fire extinguisher accessible.

Smoke alarms are another major concern. Costa says many people install alarms too close to the kitchen, leading them to disable the alarms when everyday cooking sets them off. “We know when you are cooking it doesn’t necessarily mean a fire, but smoke can start to occur, so people tend to disable their smoke alarms. That is what leads to tragedy,” she said.

For families who can’t afford smoke alarms, the Red Cross says help is available, including assistance with installation.