Wash hands, don’t leave food alone, officials say

Public safety officials don’t want your Thanksgiving feast to be spoiled by overlooking some simple things and are offering ways you can ensure everything goes off without a hitch.

Nationally, nearly 4,300 fires occur on Thanksgiving every year, killing 15 people, injuring about 50 more and costing an average of $27 million in property damage, officials said. Nearly 1,500 of those fires are in the home. Newport Beach fire officials say you can keep your family safe by following a few simple tips.

Keep a fire extinguisher within 10 feet of the stove, preferably a multipurpose dry chemical extinguisher. The kitchen should be off-limits to children and people not helping prepare food.

When cooking, do not wear loose clothing or dangling jewelry. Never leave food cooking unattended, and never use turkey fryers on wooden decks or in garages. Watch the fryer carefully because the oil can heat until it catches fire.

Poison control officials urge everyone to wash their hands before preparing food and eating, and use soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds. For more information about food poisoning or other food safety, call poison control at (800) 222-1222.

— Joseph Serna