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Cook Your Holiday Creations in a Fire-Safe Way | SERVPRO of Rapid City
11/17/2023 (Permalink)
Fire damage in your home? Not for long with SERVPRO of Rapid City on the case!
The holidays are here, which means it’s time for family gatherings, gift exchanges and amazing homemade food. Whether you are hosting the parties and are in charge of making all the food or you are bringing your famous green bean casserole to the event, cooking will be involved in the process.
Practicing fire-safe cooking strategies is crucial at any point in the year, but especially when the holidays are here. Kitchen fires increase in the winter months, so practicing these strategies below will help you stay fire-free and in a jolly good mood.
Before you even turn on your stove or preheat your oven, get your kitchen ready. Reduce clutter and prepare your space so you can move about freely. Excess clutter or flammable materials in your kitchen can quickly lead to accidents.
Things like pot holders, oven mitts, wooden utensils and holiday decorations can easily catch fire if left too close to the heat or flames and lead to a serious emergency.
You should also be cognizant of what you are wearing. Loose clothing or a decorative apron with long strings can be safety hazards that can easily go up in flames. Roll up your sleeves and keep your loose clothing to a minimum.
No matter what stage of the cooking process you are in, don’t leave the kitchen. Even walking out for a few minutes to grab something can be enough time for a full blaze to start and spread. Grilling, frying, baking and boiling can be unpredictable, so stay near to stay in control.
If your family partakes in the tradition of deep-frying a turkey, extra precautions are necessary for your safety. Do not overfill the fryer with oil and choose a flat, non-flammable surface to set up your equipment.
You also need to plan ahead and take out your turkey to thaw enough days in advance so it is completely thawed. A partially frozen turkey can cause oil to spatter and pop when you submerge it.
We all know that preventing fires isn’t a total guarantee, so having protective measures in place is crucial to your safety. Every level of your home should have at least one smoke detector, and there should ideally be one right in your kitchen. Test them monthly to ensure the batteries are working.
You should also have a fire extinguisher designated to just your kitchen space. Choose an easily accessible location that anyone can get to, and check it annually to make sure it is not expired.
We hope you enjoy a wonderful season with your family and friends. Remember, we are here for you 24⁄7 if an accident occurs and you are left with fire damage. We will restore and repair your home as fast as possible so you can carry on with the celebrations ahead.
House fires can happen in the blink of an eye. Contact us for a quick restoration day or night!