Holiday Fire Safety Tips

12/9/2019 (Permalink)

If you or anyone you know are in need of fire or water restoration please contact our office for a free estimate and inspection. (972) 329-4747

Did you know cooking equipment is the leading cause of residential fires? As the holiday seasons have begun and you have found yourself in the kitchen more often while hosting friends and family, fire precautions should be top of mind.

According to the NFPA, cooking is the main cause of home fires and injuries, with Christmas and New Year’s coming up it is important to be aware of the following cooking and safety tips so you and your family and friends can have a safe holiday. 

• Never leave cooking food unattended- stay in the kitchen while frying, grilling, or boiling food. If someone must leave the kitchen for even a short period of time, they should turn off the stove.
• Check food regularly while cooking and remain in the home while kitchen equipment is in use. Use a timer ass a reminder that the stove or oven is on.
• Keep small children away from the cooking area. Enforce a “kid-free-zone" and make them stay at least three feet away from the stove and oven. 
• Keep anything flammable like pot holders, oven mitts, wooden utensils paper or plastic bags, food packaging, and towels away from the stove, oven or other appliances in the kitchen that generates heat. 
• Do not wear loose clothing or dangling sleeves while cooking.
• Clean cooking surfaces on a regular basis to prevent grease build-up.
• Purchase a fire extinguisher to keep in the kitchen year-round. Contact the local fire department for training on the proper use of a fire extinguisher if you are unsure. 
•  Always check the kitchen before going to bed or leaving the home to make sure all kitchen appliances like stoves, ovens and toasters and turned off.
• Install a smoke alarm near the kitchen, on each level of the home, near sleeping areas, and inside and outside of bedrooms. Use the test button to check it is working properly every month. Replace the batteries at least once a year.

SERVPRO of Mesquite professionals wish you  a happy holiday season.