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On Tuesday, the Illinois Office of the State Fire Marshal issued guidance for cooking on Thanksgiving, including on tips when preparing food not just during the holiday season, but all year.

Thanksgiving is the leading day for home firesinvolving cooking equipment, OSFM said, with four times the average number occurring. Ranges and cook-tops account for almost three out of every five home fires reported involving cooking, with ovens accounting for 13% of those fires.

According to the U.S. Fire Administration, each year from 2017 to 2019, an estimated average of 2,300 residential building fires were reported to fire departments in the U.S. on Thanksgiving Day. These fires caused an estimated annual average of five deaths, 25 injuries and $26 million in property loss. U.S. fire departments respond to an average of 166,100 home fires per year involving cooking equipment.

"Thanksgiving has arrived and that means many people will be working overtime in their kitchens. I encourage everyone to check to make sure your cooking equipment is working properly and call a professional to fix them if needed," State Fire Marshal Matt Perez said in a statement. "By following a few simple fire safety tips, your holiday will be enjoyable and free from a fire-related incident."

"Anytime food and flames are involved, we must always remember that fire safety is important. While deep-frying a turkey may add irresistible flavor and juiciness to your Thanksgiving menu, there is also the potential of fire and serious injury when doing so," Chicago Fire Commissioner Annette Nance-Holt said in a statement.

When frying a turkey, it's important to make sure not to overfill oil in the fryer. To do so, make sure to fill the pot you plan to use to fry the turkey with water and place the turkey in, measuring the amount needed when there's no spill. This will help determine how much oil is needed without causing oil to spill out when you are ready to fry, which could lead to a fire.

Additionally, use the turkey fryer outdoors only, make sure the turkey is completely thawed before frying and use long cooking gloves to protect hands and arms when handling the pot.

RELATED: How to thaw your turkey safely and efficiently

Tips to keep in mind when preparing food year-round include: Never leave food that you are frying, boiling, grilling or broiling unattended! If you leave the kitchen, even for a short amount of time, turn off the stove. Create a "Kid-Free Zone" of at least three feet around the stove or anywhere you are preparing hot food or drinks. Keep the area around the stove clear of towels, papers, potholders or anything that can burn. If you are simmering, baking, or roasting food, check it regularly, remain in the home while food is cooking, and use a timer to remind you when food is ready. If there is a fire in the oven, keep the door shut and turn off the heat. Smother small flames in a pan by sliding a lid over the pan. Turn off the burner and leave the lid over the pan while it cools. If you have any doubt fighting a small fire, just get out! Call 9-1-1 or your emergency number from outside the home.

Continued here:
How to deep fry a turkey without burning your house down and more Thanksgiving food tips - Alton Telegraph