KITCHEN CAUTIONS FOR YOUR THANKSGIVING FEAST

11/23/2020 (Permalink)

Smother grease fires by sliding the lid over the pan and turn off the stovetop. Leave the pan covered until it is completely cooled.

According to the National Fire Protection Agency, cooking fires are the number one cause of home fires and injuries.  The leading cause of fires in the kitchen is unattended cooking.  It’s important to remain alert to prevent holiday cooking fires.

Around the holidays each year, families gather to celebrate by preparing a delicious feast.  Unfortunately, not everyone practices safe cooking habits.  Whether you are an experienced chef of the family or a beginning student to the culinary art of boxed stuffing, safety should always be your first focus when preparing a meal.

To ensure you and your kitchen survive meal preparation, keep in mind the following safety tips:

• Be on alert! If you are sleepy or have consumed alcohol, do not use the stovetop or oven.
• At all time, remain in the kitchen while you are frying, grilling, boiling, broiling, or using an air fryer to cook your food.
• If you are simmering, baking, or roasting food, check it regularly, remain in the kitchen while the food is cooking, and use a timer to remind you that the oven or stove is in use.
• Keep oven mitts, wooden utensils, food packaging, hand towels or anything that can catch fire, away from the stovetop.

Consider the following safety protocols to help keep you and your family safe if you do have a cooking fire:

• Simply GET OUT! Please do not forget your pets as well.  Close the door behind you when you leave to help contain the flames.
• Call 9-1-1 or the local emergency number after you get out safely.
• For an oven fire, turn off the heat and keep the oven door closed.
• If you try to fight the fire, make certain others are getting out and you also have a clear path to safety.
• When you’re cooking with grease, make sure you have a lid nearby to smother small grease fires. Smother the fire by sliding the lid over the pan and turn off the stovetop.  Leave the pan covered until it is completely cooled.

Our team at SERVPRO of Dale City/Lake Ridge and SERVPRO of Woodbridge/Lorton wish you and your families a safe and happy Thanksgiving!