NORFOLK, Va. — Thanksgiving is a time for cooking and family gatherings, but fire experts also say it's a peak day for home cooking-related fires.
So, to help keep your holiday gathering safe, we have some fire prevention reminders.
Virginia Beach Fire Assistant Chief Joshua Goyet says that with so much going on in the kitchen during Thanksgiving, it can be easy to get preoccupied.
That's why he says keeping your stovetop clear of debris is a good rule of thumb.
"There's a lot of distractions that may pull you out of the kitchen, and that's when the dangers happen," said Goyet.
"So not only is there a lot of distractions, but because a lot of cooking is going on at the same time, the ovens are in use, and sometimes all of the burners are in use, it becomes very cluttered," he said.
Goyet stressed that if you're frying a turkey, always do it outside and never in a garage. He also reminds those cooks to make sure your turkey is completely thawed.
"If you are frying that turkey, make sure that turkey is completely defrosted, and make sure you're in a location where if something were to spill over, it's not going to catch your deck on fire," he said.
Goyet said those preparing Thanksgiving meals should also never forget safety gear on hand, including a fire extinguisher and baking soda nearby, and to make sure your clothes are tight-fitting to avoid catching fire.
He says in addition to cooking fire concerns, there's also the potential risk of burn injuries.
"Especially if it occurs in the kitchen, immediately wash it with cold water and continue to rinse the burn with cold water until the burning sensation stops," said Goyet.
Even if you believe everything is under control, Goyet says don't hesitate to call 911 if your home or lives are at risk.
While the National Fire Protection Association says Thanksgiving is the busiest day of the year for home cooking fires, Christmas Day and Christmas Eve are ranked second and third.