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Baking Up Your Holiday Treats in a Fire-Safe Way | SERVPRO of Conway & Faulkner Counties
11/17/2023 (Permalink)
Fire damage in your home? Not for long with SERVPRO of Conway & Faulkner Counties on the case!
The jolliest time of year has arrived, and we are ready to celebrate the holidays right alongside you. No matter what holidays you observe or how you celebrate, we would bet there will be an abundance of delicious homecooked meals and treats for all to enjoy.
Whether you always bring your family-famous green bean casserole or your sugar cookies are the first to go on the platter, you will be spending more time in the kitchen this season preparing for your holiday parties.
House fires increase at this time of year, particularly those that start in the kitchen. By incorporating these fire-safe practices, you can cook with confidence without the worry of starting an out-of-control blaze.
Getting your space ready is the key to success! Removing clutter from around your counters and floor can take away tripping hazards, and you should keep your little ones and pets out of this area while the stove or oven is on.
You also need to limit the amount of flammable materials near your burners. Take away wooden utensils, pot holders, oven mitts and holiday decorations, and store them in a safe place so they can’t accidentally catch on fire.
In addition to removing flammable hazards around your kitchen, you also need to address your clothing! Loose apron strings, holiday outfits and long sleeves can also become fire hazards and can create a really dangerous situation for you. Be mindful about your outfit and keep those sleeves rolled up.
If you are in charge of baking, boiling, grilling or frying, stay close by the kitchen. All forms of cooking can be dangerous, so being near your stove or oven can help you control a situation before it gets out of hand.
Some families love the tradition of deep-frying a turkey, which requires extra precautions and safety measures. Choose one person who will man the fryer and control the oil. Use a flat, nonflammable surface that is far away from any overhangs or outbuildings. Check the package of your turkey, and make sure to pull it out in time so that the meat is completely thawed by the time it goes into the fryer.
Preventing a situation before it starts is always ideal, but sometimes it is just not possible. This is why having your alert systems and extinguishers ready to go is vital! Check the batteries in your smoke alarms every month, and replace them as needed.
You also should be sure you have at least one fire extinguisher in your home. Ideally it should be kept close to or inside your kitchen for emergencies. Being able to access it quickly can help you knock down a few flames so you can avoid serious damage.
We hope you have a safe and relaxing holiday season, but remember that we are always here to help you overcome any fire damage that you do suffer. We will clean, sanitize and rebuild your kitchen so you can get back to your festive holiday plans ahead.
House fires can happen in the blink of an eye. Contact us for a quick restoration day or night!