Your Holiday Cooking Safety Guide

5 min read

The holiday season brings joy, laughter, and the comforting aroma of delicious meals wafting through our homes. With Thanksgiving and Christmas right around the corner, the time for family gatherings and creating cherished memories around the dining table is upon us.

Unfortunately, according to the National Fire Protection Association, Thanksgiving and Christmas Day are also the peak days for home cooking fires. It’s crucial to prioritize holiday cooking safety amid the festive hustle and bustle. This helps ensure your celebrations remain joyful and free of emergencies.

Here’s a comprehensive guide outlining the fundamental Thanksgiving and Christmas cooking safety tips worth following to enjoy a truly merry holiday.

Thanksgiving Cooking Safety Tips

1. Never Leave Cooking Food Unattended

As tempting as it may be to multitask during holiday meal preparations, it’s essential never to leave food unattended on the stove or in the oven. Set timers, use kitchen gadgets, and enlist help to ensure someone always keeps an eye on the cooking process.

This is true even when simmering or cooking food slowly. Whether you’re using an oven, smoker, or grill, it’s best to check the food regularly to react quickly in case a fire starts.

2. Clean the Stove and Oven

Grease buildup can pose a significant fire hazard, especially in a busy kitchen. Before the holiday cooking marathon begins, ensure your stove and oven are clean and free of accumulated grime. Regular cleaning not only enhances safety but also improves the efficiency of your appliances.

It also helps to keep items that could easily catch fire away from your stove and oven, such as towels and oven mitts.

3. Dress Appropriately

Loose clothing, dangling sleeves, or overly long scarves can easily catch fire if they come into contact with an open flame or a hot appliance. When you know you’ll be busy working in the kitchen, opt for fitted clothing or roll up your sleeves to reduce the risk of accidents.

4. Watch Children or Pets in the Kitchen

The holidays often involve curious little ones and furry friends running around the house. While chaos is usually expected in a home packed with family or friends, watching children and pets in the kitchen closely can ensure everyone’s safety. Keeping younger kids a safe distance away from cooking areas or appliances also helps keep distractions and the risks of accidents to a minimum.

5. Unplug Small Appliances After Use

Whether it’s a blender, toaster, or coffee maker, unplug small appliances when not in use. This Thanksgiving cooking safety tip not only conserves energy but also reduces the risk of electrical malfunctions and potential fires.

6.Have Your Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors Checked

Regularly check and replace the batteries in your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. These devices are your first line of defense in case of a fire. They provide early warnings that can make a significant difference in helping you control small flames or evacuating everyone in time in case of a quick-spreading fire.

7. Keep Your Fire Extinguisher Handy

Despite our best efforts in researching and following Thanksgiving cooking safety tips, accidents can still happen. Fortunately, there’s still one last thing that can be done to protect your home from extensive damage and your loved ones from harm.

Ensure you have a functioning fire extinguisher in an accessible location close to the kitchen and everyone knows how to use it. Quick action can help contain a small fire before it escalates.

Holiday Cooking Safety: What To Do if There Is a Cooking Fire

Don’t Panic

Keeping a cool head when a fire starts can be difficult, but it helps to remain calm. If a fire erupts, quickly turn off the heat source if it’s safe to do so. Slide a metal lid over the burning pan to smother the fire and leave it there until it cools.

Never use water, especially if you’re dealing with a grease fire, as it can cause the flames to flare up. Instead, carefully pour baking soda onto the fire to douse its flames. If you have one, you can also use a fire extinguisher to put out the fire.

Evacuate Safely

If the fire cannot be quickly contained, prioritize the safety of everyone in the household. Evacuate to a safe location and call emergency services.

Get Help From Professionals

If your home sustained significant damage after a cooking fire, take heart and remember that expert help is available. Professional restoration teams like Restoration 1 of Cary are here to assist you in repairing the damage and restoring your home to its pre-fire condition.

Keep the Season Merry By Heeding Holiday Cooking Safety

While the holidays are a time for celebration and togetherness, Thanksgiving or Christmas cooking safety should always remain a top priority. Following the tips shared above and understanding what to do during and after a cooking fire can help you keep your gatherings safe and joyous – just as they should be.

Finally, from your local fire damage restoration experts here at Restoration 1, remember that restoration help after a fire is always just a call away. We are available around the clock 24/7––which includes Thanksgiving, Christmas, and any other day of the year.

Wishing you a happy and safe holiday season filled with warmth, love, and your favorite meals!