By Brianna McAdoo, AFRO Staff Writer, bmcadoo@afro.com
Since 2016 Maryland became 4th ranked state in the country for cooking fires; and with the upcoming holiday season approaching there is an increased risk of being involved in a kitchen related blaze. Research provided by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) has shown that the number one cause of house fires is unattended cooking.
Last year State farm paid over $130 million dollars for around 2,700 cooking/grease fire claims across the United States. Maryland was ranked #10 and became #4 in America when the claims total amount paid moved from $4,496,764 in 2016 to $7,014,967 in 2017.
Maryland is no. 4 in the country for cooking fires. (Courtesy Photo)
NFPA states “one out of three home fires begins in the kitchen – more than any other place in the home.” The NFPA data also “shows that Thanksgiving Day is the peak day for home cooking fires.”
State Farm has provided some simple suggestions to help keep the family safe this holiday season, such as keeping a lid beside the pan when cooking; keeping things that can catch on fire away from the stovetop; using a smaller turkey (8-10 pound) for frying; ensuring the turkey is thawed and dry before cooking; cooking outdoors on flat surfaces (not on wooden surfaces and patios) and remaining attentive while cooking and frying. In addition State Farm recommends for people to make sure their homes have working smoke alarms and a fire extinguisher approved for cooking and grease fire nearby at all times.
For more information on cooking safety in the home visit: https://www.nfpa.org/Public-Education/By-topic/Top-causes-of-fire/Cooking