24/7 Emergency Service
A Holly Safe Holiday | SERVPRO of Harlingen/San Benito
11/17/2023 (Permalink)
Fire damage in your home? Not for long with SERVPRO of Harlingen/San Benito on the case!
The holiday season has finally arrived again. Whatever your favorite way to celebrate during this time of year is, it probably involves some good food. Whether you are the cook or Grandma doesn’t allow anyone else in the kitchen, it is important to cook with as much safety as possible.
The number of home fires goes up every year during the holidays, and a good number of them start in the kitchen. The good news is that you can keep Grandma and everyone else safe by taking a few proactive steps that will protect the whole house.
Before you ever turn you stove on, do a little bit of fire safety prep work to get your space ready. Many kitchen fires happen because a flammable item was left near a heat source.
Pay special attention to pot holders, towels and oven mitts. Wooden utensils, although a popular cooking tool, are also a risk when it comes to flames. A single pop of oil or a spark that leaps out could catch anything close by on fire.
Consider your clothing as well. Skip dressing up in the fun apron or goofy sweater until after the cooking is finished. Loose fabric, hanging strings or dangling decorations all present a fire risk you should avoid.
When you cook, it is always a good rule to stay close by until everything has cooled down. Kitchen fires can start quickly in a number of ways. Whether you are cooking in the oven, on the stove or even in a countertop appliance, you will need to move fast to prevent a total disaster should something spark a flame.
If frying a turkey is part of your plans, you will need to take a few extra steps to stay safe. Don’t overfill your fryer, and take the time to read the safety guidelines from the manufacturer.
Put it on a level spot away from flammable materials, and make sure your turkey is totally thawed. A partially thawed turkey can make the oil pop and splatter, creating burn and fire risks.
Fires may not be totally avoidable, but the more you do to stay safe the lower your risks will be. Make sure your home has enough protective equipment in place, including smoke detectors on every level of your home. Check them monthly, but make it a point to check the one in or near your kitchen before you head in to cook the holiday meal to ensure it is working properly.
Invest in a small fire extinguisher and store it close to the kitchen as well. Make sure a few family members understand how and when to use it. Get your pot lids out and keep them within arm’s reach to quickly smother grease fires.
Make your holiday season truly one to remember by avoiding disasters and keeping everyone safe. If you do suffer any size fire in your home, call us the moment the flames are out. We can respond quickly to handle your restoration needs so you can get back to celebrating.
House fires can happen in the blink of an eye. Contact us for a quick restoration day or night!