Holiday Kitchen Cooking Safety

As the holidays draw near, it's important to ensure that we don’t overlook our kitchen's safety. According to the United States Fire Administration, cooking is the leading cause of residential fires and burn related injuries.

Source: https://www.usfa.fema.gov/downloads/pdf/publications/kitchen_fires_recipe_card.pdf

Here are a few tips to ensure a safe and happy Holiday Season:

1. Create a Family Fire Plan:

   • Make sure everyone knows your home's best evacuation route.

   • Locate and know how to use your fire extinguisher.

   • Test smoke alarms and replace the batteries if needed.

2. Appliance Tips to Prevent Fires:

   • Clean Appliances: Clean and inspect your appliances, including ovens, stovetops, and microwaves, to remove any built-up residue that can become a fire hazard.

   • Check Cords and Plugs: Examine the cords, plugs, and switches of your appliances for wear and tear. Replace any damaged parts promptly.

   • Clear Ventilation: Ensure that appliance vents and hoods are clean and unblocked to prevent overheating.

   • Safe Placement: Position appliances away from flammable materials, and always follow the manufacturer's guidelines for appliance use.

   • Call a trusted appliance service professional with any questions or concerns.

3. Safe Stove Usage:

   • Keep flammable items such as oven mitts, potholders, food packaging, and dishtowels well away from the stovetop.

   • Avoid wearing loose clothing that could catch fire on burners.

   • If you have a gas stove, be sure to regularly check for gas leaks and call 911 if you smell natural gas.

   • Never leave cooking unattended.

   • Use timers as reminders for oven-cooked dishes.

4. Stay Alert:

   • Be vigilant while cooking, especially if you're tired or have consumed alcohol.

   • If you're not in the best condition, let someone else take over the cooking duties.

5. Hot Liquids and Foods:

   • Exercise caution when dealing with hot liquids and foods, as steam or splashes can cause serious burns.

   • Ensure that hot dishes, pans, and serving containers are placed away from the edges of countertops where they're less likely to be knocked over.

6. Kids in the Kitchen:

   • Keep hazardous items out of the reach of children by placing them toward the back of the counter.

   • Keep little ones at least 3 feet away from the stove to prevent accidental burns.

7. Dealing with Cooking Fires:

   • Avoid Water: Do not use water to extinguish an oil fire, as it can cause the oil to splash and spread the flames.

   • Smother and Turn Off: Instead, carefully slide a lid over the pan to smother the fire and turn off the stovetop. Leave the pan covered until it has completely cooled. Alternatively, you can use baking soda to extinguish small grease fires.

   • Oven Fires: In the case of an oven fire, turn off the heat and keep the oven door closed.

   • For larger fires with extensive smoke and heat, evacuate!

     • Leave the area,

     • Close the door behind you to contain the fire, and

     • Call 911.

By following these safety guidelines and preparing your kitchen appliances for the holiday season, you and your loved ones will be better equipped to enjoy festive and safe celebrations!

Wishing you a season filled with joy, peace, and quality time,

Your Cavalry Appliance Family