Not surprisingly, Thanksgiving is the leading day for home cooking fires, responsible for three times as many fires than any other day of the year. That’s according to the National Fire Protection Association which cites another grim statistic: Cooking is the second-leading cause of home fire deaths.
Here's How to Prevent Cooking Fires
Don’t Leave the Stove Unattended
It’s simple. When the stove is on, stay in the kitchen. Whether grilling, broiling, sautéing or frying, do not leave your stove unattended. When you need to let your food simmer, use this time for other kitchen tasks. Do the dishes, organize the spice rack, or mop the floor.
If you need to leave the kitchen, turn off the stove and place the pan on a cool burner.
Make Your Kitchen a Kid-Free Zone
Kids and kitchens don’t mix when you’re cooking up a holiday feast. If you can’t keep them out of the kitchen, at least establish a three-foot perimeter around the stove. Maybe even use tape on the floor to mark the danger zone.
Watch Those Pan Handles
Keep pot and pan handles out of reach of children (if they dare to trespass that safety perimeter) by turning them backward away from the counter’s edge. Use the back burners if possible.
Keep Flammables Away From the Stove
These include:
- Pot holders
- Towels
- Food packaging
- Recipe printouts/books
- Wood utensils
- Food packaging
Here's What to Do in the Event of a Stovetop Fire
- Fire in cooking pan: Use an oven mitt and put a lid on a pan. Move the pan to a cool burner and turn off the stove.
- Fire in the oven: Do not -- we repeat, DO NOT -- open the stove door. Keep it closed to suffocate the flame.
- Grease fire: Again, put a lid on the pan. Do not attempt to douse with water. Water will splatter the grease, spreading the fire. Don’t swat at it with a towel or apron, either. Instead, use a fire extinguisher, being careful to aim at the base of the fire.
Turn to the Fire Damage Restoration Experts at Cut N Dry
A little caution will help ensure a safe Thanksgiving dinner. If your home suffers any kind of fire damage, turn to the restoration pros at Cut N Dry Restoration. To schedule an appointment, call (909) 829-5002.