Anchorage, Alaska — As the holiday season approaches, bringing with it peak cooking and decorating times, Anchorage officials are emphasizing safety to prevent home fires and plumbing mishaps. Local authorities are specifically highlighting the dangers of deep-frying turkeys and improper disposal of cooking oils, which have historically led to increased emergency calls during this period.
The Anchorage Fire Department conducted a public demonstration showing the fiery consequences of dropping a partially thawed turkey into hot oil. This vivid presentation underscored cooking as the leading cause of home fires nationwide, particularly around Thanksgiving and Christmas, according to recent statistics from the National Fire Protection Association.
Lexi Trainer, a public information officer for the department, explained the proper method to deep fry a turkey safely. “Ensure that the turkey is fully thawed and dry before you begin. It’s crucial to manage the temperature of the oil and avoid overfilling the pot,” said Trainer. This advice was paired with stark reminders to fry outdoors, maintaining a safe distance from any flammables, and keeping a fire extinguisher within reach—a key rule, Trainer reiterated, is to never douse a grease fire with water.
Parallel to fire safety, the Anchorage Water and Wastewater Utility highlighted plumbing concerns exacerbated during the holiday festivities. Sandy Baker, a public outreach coordinator for AWWU, explained the problematic aftermath of pouring oils and greases down kitchen sinks. The day after Thanksgiving, commonly referred to within the plumbing industry as “Brown Friday,” is notorious for severe pipe blockages and backups.
At a recent educational event, Baker demonstrated safer disposal methods for fats and oils. “Allow grease to cool, then seal it in a container and dispose of it in the trash,” she advised the audience. Combining these substances with absorbent materials like kitty litter or sawdust before throwing them away can also prevent plumbing disasters.
Fire Marshal Brian Dean shared tips on safe holiday decorating practices. He stressed the importance of maintaining live Christmas trees to prevent them from becoming fire hazards, and he advised against placing electrical lights near heat sources or using frayed wires.
Dean also warned against the use of ovens or hot plates as heating sources. Instead, he recommended space heaters, which should be plugged directly into outlets and positioned at least three feet away from anything that could catch fire.
These coordinated efforts by Anchorage’s fire and water departments are part of a broader initiative to ensure that residents can enjoy a safe and fire-free holiday season. By taking simple preventative measures, officials hope to significantly reduce the number of emergency incidents and foster a safer environment for everyone in the community.