The last thing you want over the holiday season is a kitchen fire. Kitchen is the most likely place in the home for a fire to start, but during Christmas or a festival season this trend increases significantly. To avoid fire problems in the kitchen this Christmas, remember the following:
Stay alert. With family gatherings and celebrations people can become distracted; there is also increased alcohol consumption during this festive time. Don’t leave cooking unattended.
Turn off the burners. Always turn oven and burners off if you have to leave the kitchen with your friends or relatives.
Careful with deep-frying. Take care when cooking with hot oil – it sets alight easily. Make sure food is dry before putting it in hot oil so it doesn’t splash. If the oil starts to smoke, turn off the heat and leave it to cool for a few moments. If grease or oil ignites, remember to cover the container with a lid and turn the heat source off.
Mind your trash. Never throw hot grease in the garbage can. Even if the grease isn’t on fire, it can cause something in the garbage to burn. Instead, let grease cool and dispose of it in an old container.
Be cautious around children & elderly. It’s fun time but kids running around in the kitchen while you’re preparing your big feast are a bad idea. Keep an eye on the elderly family members while they try to help you out with your kitchen work – age can bring about some clumsiness.
No pets. Make kitchen a no-pets zone.
Keep flammable items clear of stove. Make sure that kitchen curtains, dishtowels, plastic containers etc are away from hot surfaces even if you are in the kitchen. Check that toasters are clean and placed away from curtains and kitchen rolls.
Don’t overload power sockets. Make sure there is only one plug per socket. Always turn off plugs when they are not in use, other than equipment where they are supposed to be left on – like freezers.
Clean up. Keep the oven, hob and grill clean and in good working order. A buildup of fat and grease can ignite a fire.
Be careful with decorations. If you have a small place and are forced to use kitchen as a room where you might sit down to make cards and use wrapping paper or store decorations, make sure they are far away from lit stoves. Never leave lit candles unattended. In fact, you could consider using battery-operated flameless candles, which can look like real candles.
Ensure that the fire extinguisher works. Poor maintenance and incorrect usage of fire extinguishers in the home are two key reasons kitchen fires can spread. Ensure that your fire extinguisher works and is well maintained.
Leave exit passage open. Ensure that Christmas trees and other holiday decorations don’t block an exit way.
Fire safety is important at every time of year, but the extra distractions of the festive season make it especially necessary to be vigilant. Stay safe! Have a Merry Christmas!