4 Tips for Safer Holiday Cooking
Holiday meals are a tradition that millions of people enjoy each year. Unfortunately, though, the act of cooking those meals can lead to something much less joyous. Cooking fires are the top cause of both home fires and injuries in the home. Thanksgiving Day is one of the worst days for cooking fires.
How to Help Keep Your Kitchen Safe
- Stay alert while cooking. That means staying there while you’re cooking, too. The leading cause of fires in the kitchen is unattended cooking. More than 40 percent of people in one survey admitted that they leave the kitchen to talk or text on the phone. Many others skip out to check email, etc. Use timers and stick around, so you don’t burn your food or your house.
- Take particular care when frying. Heat oil slowly to the right temperature, and if you see or smell smoke, turn off the burner and remove the pan immediately — your oil is too hot. Avoid splattering by adding your food to the pot or pan carefully. And, always keep a lid close by while you cook, so you can slide it on if the oil catches fire.
- Keep your environment clean and safe. Keep flammable materials, including paper and plastic items, pot holders, oven mitts, towels and curtains, away from all cooking appliances. Make sure you don’t wear clothing that dangles over your cooking area, and keep kids away as well. Also stay on top of cleaning up grease buildup, which can pose a fire risk. Finally, smoke alarm should be installed in or near the kitchen, and fire extinguisher should be readily available.
- Make sure everything’s cool. Before you go to bed or leave the house, check to see that all appliances are turned off and that everything, including your pots and pans, has cooled down.
Thank you to Safeco Insurance for providing this blog.