Be safe when preparing Thanksgiving dinner Published Nov. 13, 2007 By Don Savidge 1st SOCES HURLBURT FIELD, Fla. -- It's hard to believe, but Thanksgiving is only days away. The holiday season would not be the same without time spent with family and friends, sharing good food and good times. The Hurlburt Field Fire Emergency Service Flight wants to ensure everyone has a joyous and safe holiday season. Please adhere to these holiday cooking safety tips while you're planning and preparing for your next holiday party: - Keep cooking areas clear of combustibles - Wear short or tight-fitting sleeves when you cook - Keep the handles of your pots turned inward so they do not over-hang the stove - If grease catches fire, carefully slide a lid over the pan and smother the flames, then turn off the burner - Do not use water on a grease fire, use an ABC extinguisher or baking powder - If there is a fire in the oven, leave the door shut and try to turn the oven off so the fire will die out A longtime food favorite in the southern United States, the deep-fried turkey, has quickly grown in popularity thanks to celebrity chefs such as Martha Stewart and Emeril Lagasse. While some people rave about this tasty creation, safety experts are concerned that backyard chefs may be sacrificing safety for good taste. If you absolutely must use a turkey fryer, here are some tips for safer use: - Turkey fryers should always be used outdoors a safe distance from buildings and any other material that can burn - Never use turkey fryers on wooden decks or in garages - Make sure the fryers are used on a flat surface to reduce accidental tipping - Never leave the fryer unattended. Most units do not have thermostat controls. If you don't watch the fryer carefully, the oil will continue to heat until it catches fire - Keep children and pets away from the fryer when in use. Even after use, never allow children or pets near the turkey fryer. The oil inside the cooking pot can remain dangerously hot hours after use - To avoid oil spillover, do not overfill the fryer - Use well-insulated potholders or oven mitts when touching pot or lid handles. If possible, wear safety goggles to protect your eyes from oil splatter - Make sure the turkey is completely thawed and be careful with marinades. Oil and water don't mix, and water causes oil to spill over, causing a fire or even an explosion hazard - Keep an all-purpose fire extinguisher nearby. Never use water to extinguish a grease fire If you have questions concerning holiday or cooking safety, contact the Fire Prevention Office at 884-2910 or 884-2966.