Celebrate Safely

11/15/2017 (Permalink)

Each November families gather to celebrate Thanksgiving by preparing a delicious feast, but if you don’t practice safe cooking habits, your holiday could become hazardous very quickly. According the  National Fire Protection Association, cooking fires are the number one cause of home fires and home injuries, and Thanksgiving is the leading day for home cooking fires, with three times the average number.  The leading cause of fires in the kitchen is unattended cooking. 

Tips for avoiding kitchen fires:

• Be alert! If you are sleepy or have consumed alcohol don’t use the stove or stovetop.

• Stay in the kitchen while you are frying, grilling, boiling or broiling food.

• If you are simmering, baking or roasting food, check it regularly, remain in the kitchen while food is cooking and use a timer to remind you that you are cooking.

• Keep anything that can catch fire – oven mitts, wooden utensils, food packaging, towel or curtains – away from stovetop.

If a fire occurs while you are cooking, consider the following safety protocols to help keep you and your family safe.

• Keep a lid nearby when you are cooking 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.

• If you try to fight the fire, be sure other are getting out and that you have a clear way out.

• For an oven fire, turn off the heat and keep the door closed.

• If the fire is out of control, just get out! When pou leave, close the door behind you to help contain the fire.

• Call 9-1-1 or the local emergency number after you leave.

SERVPRO of Gwinnett County South and their professional team wish you a safe and happy holiday season.