NEWS
Keep fire safety top of mind when preparing your feast
Thanksgiving,the number-one day for U.S. home cooking fires
November 12, 2020 – The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) is urging the public to make fire safety a priority when preparing this year’s Thanksgiving feast. The association’s latest Home Cooking Fires report shows that Thanksgiving is the peak day for U.S. home cooking fires followed by the day before Thanksgiving and Christmas Day. According to the report, U.S. fire departments responded to an estimated 1,630 home cooking fires on Thanksgiving Day, three and half times an average day. Unattended cooking was by far the leading cause of associated fires and fire deaths. Cooking is the leading cause of U.S. home and home fire injuries year-round, and the second-leading cause of home fire deaths. “Thanksgiving often involves cooking multiple dishes at once, which can be particularly tricky with lots of distractions in and around the kitchen,” said Lorraine Carli, vice president of Outreach and Advocacy at NFPA. “From getting ready for guests and managing family needs to entertaining when everyone arrives – these types of activities make it all too easy to lose track of what’s cooking, and that’s where a lot of fires tend to happen.” Carli notes that the pandemic may reduce the number of larger group gatherings in favor of smaller celebrations, which may mean more kitchens being used to cook Thanksgiving meals this year. NFPA offers these tips and recommendations for safely cooking this Thanksgiving:
- Never leave the kitchen while cooking on the stovetop. Some types of cooking, especially those that involve frying or sautéing with oil, need continuous attention.
- When cooking a turkey, or other items in the oven, stay in your home and check on it regularly.
- Set a timer on your stove or phone to keep track of cooking times, particularly for foods that require longer cook times.
- Keep things that can catch fire like oven mitts, wooden utensils, food wrappers, and towels away from direct contact with the cooking area.
- Avoid long sleeves and hanging fabrics that could come in contact with a heat source.
- Always cook with a lid beside your pan. If you have a fire, slide the lid over the pan and turn off the burner. Do not remove the cover because the fire could start again. Let the pan cool for a long time. Never throw water or use a fire extinguisher on a grease fire.
- For an oven fire, turn off the heat and keep the door closed. Only open the door once you’re confident the fire is completely out, standing to the side as you do. If you have any doubts or concerns, contact the fire department for assistance.
- Keep children at least three feet away from the stove and areas where hot food or drink is being prepared or served. Steam or spills from these items can cause severe burns.
“The pandemic may limit the number of people in homes this year, but there will still be lots of the usual cooking and distractions that contribute to a sharp increase in cooking fires on and around Thanksgiving,” said Carli. “Being vigilant in the kitchen remains critical to ensuring a fire-safe holiday.” In addition, NFPA strongly discourages the use of turkey fryers, as these can lead to severe burns, injuries, and property damage. For a safe alternative, NFPA recommends grocery stores, food retailers, and restaurants that sell deep-fried turkey. For this release and other announcements about NFPA initiatives, research and resources, please visit the NFPA press room. As all of us continue to navigate the evolving situation with COVID-19, NFPA remains committed to supporting you with the resources you need to minimize risk and help prevent loss, injuries, and death from fire, electrical, and other hazards. For information on NFPA’s response to the coronavirus, pleasevisit our webpage.
The first Jim Bowie Days Smokedown barbecue cook-off kicked off rodeo week last Friday and Saturday. There were 24 teams that competed in ribs, brisket, chicken, beans and steak. See photos and the list of all the winners in the Thursday Bowie News.
Top photo – A cooker turns in her brisket entry. (Below) A barbecue cooker prepares her final selections of brisket for the contest. (Photos by Barbara Green)
The Bowie News, the largest community newspaper in Montague County, has an immediate opening for a sports editor and we are looking for enthusiastic, motivated professional journalist to join our award-winning staff.
This job would involve covering (writing, page design and photography) across seven school districts (1A, 2A, 3A) in all aspects and levels of sports, as well as watching for breaking news such as coaching changes. Camera and lens provided for use.
The editor will coordinate the sports coverage schedule and work closely with the editor to make sure everything is covered each week.
This candidate should be experienced in InDesign, Photoshop, as well as 35mm photography and have knowledge of AP style. The sports editor is responsible for content and laying out the sports section each week, as well as posting those items on the website and social media.
The applicant should be someone who can work with a newsroom team and also be a self-starter who can take the initiative. The editor should be able to work under deadline pressure producing clean copy. Organizational skills are vital. A reliable form of transportation is necessary. The editor also may be called upon to assist when necessary in covering news, working on special sections or covering breaking news. Salary is based on experience.
Send resume, references and work samples to Barbara Green, editor@bowienewsonline.com
Signs 1,155 Bills, Vetoes 26 Bills For 89th Regular Legislative Session
AUSTIN – Governor Greg Abbott today announced the final list of 1,155 bills signed into law and 26 bills vetoed from the 89th Regular Legislative Session. Governor Abbott’s veto statements may be viewed here and here. The Governor also announced he will call a Special Session to begin on Monday, July 21, along with an initial list of agenda items.
“Working with the Texas Legislature, we delivered results that will benefit Texans for generations to come,” said Governor Abbott. “Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick, Speaker Dustin Burrows, and the Texas House and Senate worked hard to send critical legislation to my desk. This session has seen monumental success, but there is more we can do.”
All seven of Governor Abbott’s emergency items passed the Texas Legislature and were signed into law:
- Property Tax Relief
- Generational Investment in Water
- Raise Teacher Pay
- Expand Career Training
- School Choice
- Bail Reform
- Creation of the Texas Cyber Command
Additionally, Governor Abbott:
- Signed 1,155 bills
- Vetoed 26 bills
- Signed the 2026-2027 General Appropriations Act and the Supplemental Budget
At this time, the Governor has identified several bills that were vetoed or filed without signature that will be placed on the upcoming Special Session agenda for further consideration:
- Senate Bill 3: Relating to the regulation of products derived from hemp, including consumable hemp products and the hemp-derived cannabinoids contained in those products.
- Senate Bill 648: Relating to recording requirements for certain instruments concerning real property.
- Senate Bill 1253: Relating to impact and production fees for certain water projects and to the regulation of certain wells; authorizing a fee.
- Senate Bill 1278: Relating to an affirmative defense to prosecution for victims of trafficking of persons or compelling prostitution.
- Senate Bill 1758: Relating to the operation of a cement kiln and the production of aggregates near a semiconductor wafer manufacturing facility.
- Senate Bill 2878: Relating to the operation and administration of and practices and procedures related to proceedings in the judicial branch of state government.
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