Media contact: Keith Paul
Regional Communications Director
keith.paul@redcross.org | 702-400-7680

Event:              Deep-frying a frozen turkey demonstration & cooking fire safety tips

Date & Time:  Monday, Nov. 13 at 10 a.m.

Location:         Las Vegas Fire & Rescue Training Center, 633 N. Mojave Rd.

Reason:           There are more cooking fires on Thanksgiving than any other day

LAS VEGAS (Nov. 9, 2023) — As deep-frying turkeys for Thanksgiving remains popular, the American Red Cross of Southern Nevada is teaming up with Las Vegas Fire & Rescue for a demonstration on Monday to highlight the potential dangers of frying a turkey incorrectly. Additionally, firefighters will demonstrate the correct way to use a household fire extinguisher, given that Thanksgiving sees more home cooking fires than any other day.

Each Thanksgiving over 2,300 home fires nationwide are caused by cooking, according to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA). “Every year, we witness devastating home fires in Las Vegas during Thanksgiving,” said Las Vegas Fire Chief Fernando Gray. “We hope this demonstration will raise awareness and promote safer cooking practices during Thanksgiving.”

Turkey fryers, which use large quantities of cooking oil at high temperatures, present a significant risk that can result in severe burns, injuries and property damage. At Monday’s event, firefighters will submerge a frozen turkey into a deep fryer to showcase the catastrophic results of this unsafe practice.

Thanksgiving is the most likely day of the year for a cooking fire to occur, with the risk being four times higher than any other day. It's crucial to remember that many fires can be easily avoided by remaining attentive while cooking.

“Thanksgiving is a busy holiday, with multiple dishes being prepared simultaneously, numerous guests and various distractions that can lead to oversight of what's on the stove or in the oven,” said Rachel Flanigan, Executive Director of the American Red Cross, Southern Nevada Chapter. “Just a few extra moments of caution can help ensure safer holidays.”

To promote safety, the Red Cross recommends the following cooking tips:

• When cooking or frying a turkey or other items, stay close and check regularly. Most cooking fires are caused by unattended cooking.
• Move items that can burn away from the stove, including dishtowels, bags, boxes and paper.
• Keep children and pets at least three feet away from cooking areas.
• Avoid wearing loose clothing or dangling sleeves while cooking.
• If you see smoke or if the grease starts to boil when frying food, turn the burner off and carefully remove the pan from the burner using an oven mitt.
• Keep a pan lid or a cookie sheet nearby to smother a pan fire. Leave it covered until completely cooled.
• Turn pot handles towards the back of the stove to prevent accidental spills.
• Use a timer to remind yourself that the stove or oven is on.
• Before going to bed or leaving home, check the kitchen to ensure all stoves, ovens and small appliances are turned off.

Free smoke alarms and fire safety education available
This year the Red Cross of Southern Nevada staff and volunteers have responded to more than 200 home fires and assisted more than 850 people. Residents seeking fire prevention assistance can schedule an appointment for a free smoke alarm installation at SoundTheAlarm.org/Nevada. During the 20-minute home visit, Red Cross volunteers and community partners will also share information on home fires, prevention strategies, actions to take if a fire starts and how to establish an escape plan.

Flanigan encourages those in need to reach out. “If you are unable to afford a smoke alarm, or physically unable to install one or check its batteries, please contact the Red Cross of Southern Nevada. We may be able to assist,” she said.

About the American Red Cross
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds, and provides comfort to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation's blood; teaches skills that save lives; distributes international humanitarian aid; and supports veterans, military members, and their families. The Red Cross is a nonprofit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to deliver its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or CruzRojaAmericana.org, or visit us on Twitter at @RedCross.