NYS Fire Officials Warn about Using Turkey Fryers this Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving is right around the corner and New York fire departments are warning those who are getting ready to cook that big turkey to take precautions.

Especially when it comes to frying a turkey.

A Dangerous New York Holiday Season?

According to a press release from the New York State Office of Fire Prevention and Control, the Thanksgiving holiday is a dangerous one. They write "An estimated 1,400 home cooking fires occur annually on Thanksgiving Day, more than three times the number of cooking fires on a typical day. "

James Cable, State Fire Administrator, added in the statement that approximately 4,000 people die in fires in the U.S. every year and "Most residential fires start in the kitchen and cooking related fires are a leading cause of fire deaths."

Prevent Thanksgiving Turkey Fryer Injuries

In an effort to prevent devastating fires this holiday season, the NYS Office of Fire Prevention and Control offers up these steps to prevent fire dangers:

• Never leave cooking unattended
• If you have a small fire while cooking on the stovetop, smother the flames by sliding a lid or baking sheet over the pan and turning off the burner until cooled.
• For an oven fire, turn off the heat and keep the oven door closed.
• Keep children away from the stove and areas where hot food is being prepared.

When it comes to frying your bird this Thanksgiving, NYS Fire Prevention specialist demonstrated for CBS 6 in Albany, what NOT to do:

More Holiday Fire Dangers to Look Out For

Once Thanksgiving wraps up and you put the turkey fryer away, it's time to focus on Christmas and the dangers that come with the jolly season.

If you're planning on purchasing a real tree this year, remember to water your tree to keep it from drying out. The NYS Office of Fire Prevention adds;

Christmas tree fires are more common during the hours when people are awake and most fires start in the living room, family room or den. Electrical failures or malfunctions were factors in almost one-third of Christmas tree fires, and heat sources, such as a candle or equipment too close to a tree, also contributed to fires.

For a full list of preventative measures to take this holiday season visit the New York State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services website.