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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASECONTACT: Brad Ruhmann, cell: 863-581-5893Polk County Fire Rescue Public Information OfficerThanksgiving is peak day for home cooking fires?Polk County Fire Rescue Urges Caution When Preparing Holiday MealsPOLK COUNTY, Fla. (Nov. 25, 2014) – The number of home cooking fires on Thanksgiving Day was three times the national average of fires per day, according to the latest non-profit National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) study. Polk County Fire Rescue (PCFR) is urging the public to keep fire safety in mind when preparing holiday meals.?“Thanksgiving can be a whirlwind of cooking and entertaining guests,” said Polk County Fire Rescue Deputy Chief Mike Linkins. “With all the commotion in the kitchen during Thanksgiving, fire hazards around the oven or stovetop can easily be overlooked. Cooks should be conscious of fire safety whether the menu is meant to serve two or 20.”The popular fried turkey is delicious, but proper precautions should be taken. PCFR with Polk Government Television put together an information video pointing out some dos and don’ts when frying a turkey. That video can be found at: reduce the risk of cooking fires this holiday, Polk County Fire Rescue also recommends the following safety tips:?Keep anything that can catch fire such as oven mitts, wooden utensils, food packaging, towels or curtains away from the stovetop.Always stay in the kitchen while frying, grilling, or broiling food. If you have to leave the kitchen for even a short period of time, turn off the stove.When simmering, baking, roasting, or boiling food, check it regularly, remain in the home while food is cooking, and use a timer to remind you that you are cooking.Stay alert. If you are sleepy or have consumed alcohol, don’t use the stove or stovetop.If you have a cooking fire…?Just get out! When you leave, close the door behind you to help contain the fire.Call 9-1-1 after you leave.If you try to fight the fire, be sure others are getting out and you have a clear path (to your way out of the home and someone has called the fire department).Keep a lid nearby when cooking to smother small grease fires. Smother the fire by sliding the lid over the pan and turn off the stovetop. Leave the pan covered until it is completely cooled.For an oven fire, turn off the heat and keep the door closed.For more information on cooking safety, including turkey fryer safety tips, visit . For more information on Polk County Fire Rescue visit .- 30 -Polk County Fire Rescue (PCFR) is a division of the Board of County Commissioners. PCFR provides fire, emergency medical and emergency management services to residents in a 2000 square mile area, as well as provides mutual aid to surrounding counties. PCFR has more than 525 full time employees throughout 45 stations, which run more than 75,000 calls each year.bsr ................
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