As part of a national public awareness campaign -- "Put a Freeze on Winter Fires" -- Bellevue's Fire Prevention division reminds residents to practice safe cooking this Thanksgiving:

• Stay in the kitchen when you are frying, grilling or broiling food;
• Use turkey fryers outdoors, away from buildings and items that can catch fire; and
• Never use a turkey fryer in a garage or on a wooden deck.

Cooking equipment is the leading cause of reported home fires and home fire injuries in the United States. Whether you are cooking the family holiday dinner or a snack for the children, practicing safe cooking behaviors will help keep you and your family safe:

According to the U.S. Fire Administration, the highest number of home fires occur during winter. Cooking is the leading cause of winter residential building fires at 36 percent, followed by heating at 23 percent. The USFA and the National Fire Protection Association are jointly sponsoring the "Put a Freeze on Winter Fires" campaign. 

Fire Prevention, in the Fire Department, offers a wealth of safety tips, including safety videos.

More Cooking Fire Safety Action Steps

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