Smart Cooking Tips For Your Holiday Dinner
You may be spending more time in the kitchen these days due to the holidays. While it’s easy to get distracted when friends and family are around it’s important to practice safety while cooking. According to studies, Thanksgiving and Christmas have the highest reported number of kitchen fires. Follow our smart cooking tips below to stay safe this season.
Don’t Leave Your Oven Unattended
Keep an eye on anything that is cooking on the stove. Don’t walk away, even for a minute. This is so easy to do when you have a lot going on, however, this is one of the most common causes for a kitchen fire. Also when you go to bed for the night, always check the oven to make sure it is turned off.
Remove Clutter From Your Kitchen
It may be convenient to keep appliances and cooking tools on your countertop but too much clutter in your kitchen can be a fire hazard. Clear the counters and cut down on decorations in the kitchen, especially anything that is near the stove.
Use a Timer
While baking or cooking, use a timer. Using a timer will remind yourself that the stove or oven is on and will help you to avoid burning or overcooking any items. Also, should you get distracted, your timer will bring you back to the task at hand.
Make Sure Your Smoke Detector Is Working
You need to check your smoke alarms at least once a month to see if they’re working properly. Replace the batteries in them once a year. Your smoke detector is just as essential as any other kitchen tool. It can save lives.
Keep Flammable Items Out of the Way
Keep any flammable objects away from your oven to prevent them from causing a fire. This includes curtains, boxes, dish towels, bags, and even your hair or clothing. Loose clothing or sleeves that dangle while cooking is a bad idea and can easily catch fire.
By following these preventative measures, you can avoid the heartache of a fire. However, if disaster should strike, you can trust ServiceMaster Quality Restoration to respond to your fire damage emergency quickly and efficiently. Happy Holidays!
