Cooked to Perfection: Preventing Fires When You Cook Holiday Meals | SERVPRO of Harlingen/San Benito

12/3/2024 (Permalink)

Cook safely this holiday season with SERVPRO®'s fire prevention tips for a worry-free feast!

As the holiday season approaches, kitchens everywhere are heating up with delicious meals. However, this is also the time of year when kitchen fires increase. November is one of the busiest months for fire departments, often due to cooking mishaps during Thanksgiving celebrations. For residents of Harlingen, SERVPRO of Harlingen/San Benito is here to provide you with some important safety tips to help prevent kitchen fires while you cook up a holiday feast to remember!

<h2holiday-cooking-hazards">Common Holiday Cooking Hazards

Thanksgiving cooking traditions often mean that multiple dishes are on the stove and in the oven simultaneously, and it only takes a moment of distraction for things to go awry. Grease fires, overheated ovens, and forgotten stovetops are some of the most common causes of kitchen fires this time of year. Knowing the potential risks and preparing for them can ensure a safe, fire-free holiday.

One of the biggest hazards is frying turkeys, which many Texas households enjoy. A simple mistake like adding a partially frozen turkey to hot oil can cause the oil to bubble over and ignite. Always make sure to follow safety guidelines when frying, such as doing it outdoors, away from flammable materials, and keeping a fire extinguisher handy.

<h2tips-for-preventing-kitchen-fires-this-holiday-season">Top Tips for Preventing Kitchen Fires This Holiday Season<h3keep-a-watchful-eye-on-what-s-cooking">#1 Keep a Watchful Eye on What’s Cooking

It’s easy to get distracted when cooking multiple dishes or chatting with family, but remember that unattended cooking is the top cause of kitchen fires. Stay in the kitchen while cooking on the stovetop and check on items in the oven regularly. Set a timer if you’re cooking for long periods, so you’re reminded to check in.

<h3avoid-wearing-loose-clothing">#2 Avoid Wearing Loose Clothing

Long, loose sleeves or scarves can easily catch fire when reaching over a stovetop. Opt for short-sleeved or tightly fitted clothing while cooking to prevent accidents.

<h3be-cautious-with-grease-and-oil">#3 Be Cautious with Grease and Oil

Grease and oil fires can ignite quickly and spread fast. Avoid cooking with excessive grease, and if a grease fire does ignite, never throw water on it—it will make the fire worse. Instead, carefully place a metal lid over the pot or pan to smother the flames. For larger flames, a fire extinguisher is your best tool.

<h3keep-the-kitchen-clear-and-prepared">#4 Keep the Kitchen Clear and Prepared

Ensure that young children and pets are kept out of the kitchen to avoid accidents, and make sure you have a fire extinguisher nearby, as well as a lid or cookie sheet to smother small flames if necessary.

<h2safe-and-prepared-this-holiday-season">Stay Safe and Prepared This Holiday Season

With the right preparation, you can safely enjoy all the delicious meals of the holiday season without the risk of fire. SERVPRO of Harlingen/San Benito is dedicated to helping you protect your home and family from fire damage. Should you need professional fire cleanup or restoration services, we’re here to help®.

For more fire safety tips or to learn about our fire damage restoration services, visit SERVPRO of Harlingen/San Benito today.