KEEP KITCHEN SAFETY TIPS HANDY DURING HOLIDAY SEASON
The holiday season is upon us and family and friends are gathering to break bread. Since cooking is the number one cause of home fires, the American Red Cross has steps people can follow to avoid a fire while preparing the holiday meal this year:
- Install a smoke alarm near your kitchen, on each level of your home, near sleeping areas, and inside and outside bedrooms if you sleep with doors closed. Use the test button to check it each month. Replace all batteries at least once a year.
- Don’t wear loose clothing or sleeves that dangle while cooking.
- Keep kids and pets away from the cooking area. Make them stay at least three feet away from the stove.
- If you are frying, grilling or broiling food, never leave it unattended – stay in the kitchen. If you just leave the kitchen for even a short period of time, turn off the stove.
- If you’re simmering, baking, roasting or broiling food, check it regularly.
- Use a timer to remind yourself that the stove or oven is on.
- Keep anything that can catch fire - pot holders, oven mitts, wooden utensils, paper or plastic bags, food packaging, and towels or curtains—away from your stove, oven or any other appliance in the kitchen that generates heat.
- Clean cooking surfaces on a regular basis to prevent grease buildup.
- Consider purchasing a fire extinguisher to keep in your kitchen. Contact your local fire department to take training on the proper use of extinguishers.
- Always check the kitchen before going to bed or leaving the home to make sure all stoves, ovens, and small appliances are turned off.
