Be thankful for these safe cooking recommendations from the state Fire Marshal

From 2010 through 2014, there were more than 3,900 cooking-related fires in Oregon causing seven deaths, 232 injuries, and more than $35 million in property loss.

Cooking safety tips:

If you have a cooking fire:

Make sure you have smoke alarms on every level of your home, outside each sleeping area, and in every bedroom. Test smoke alarms monthly and replace them if they are 10 years old or older.

Turkey fryers: use extreme caution

The OSFM agrees with the National Fire Protection Association in discouraging the use of outdoor gas-fueled turkey fryers that cook the turkey in hot oil. The use of deep fat turkey fryers can lead to devastating burns, other injuries, and the destruction of property.

However, we also recognize some families choose this method to prepare their turkey. If you use a fryer, the OSFM urges you to use extreme caution.

“If you’re cooking your turkey in a deep fat fryer, always do it outdoors a safe distance from buildings, deck railings, and any other flammable material, and never leave it unattended,” advises Walker. “Hot oil is extremely dangerous, so never use turkey fryers on a wooden deck or in your garage.”

More turkey fryer safety tips:

For more information on cooking safety, visit www.oregon.gov/osp/SFM/Pages/ kitchen-safety.aspx.