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Don’t Burn the Holiday Dinner: Fire Prevention Tips | SERVPRO of East Lansing / Haslett
11/22/2024 (Permalink)
Celebrate safely this season—prevent holiday kitchen fires! SERVPRO® is here for expert fire restoration!
As November rolls around in East Lansing, many of us are eagerly anticipating the holiday season, which usually includes lots of time in the kitchen. While holiday meals bring families together, they also bring the potential for increased kitchen fire hazards. Knowing how to prevent fires in your kitchen can ensure your holiday dinner stays memorable for the right reasons.
During November, the hustle and bustle of cooking multiple dishes, hosting friends and family, and managing all the holiday festivities can lead to fire risks in the kitchen. SERVPRO® of East Lansing / Haslett sees an uptick in holiday-related fire incidents each year, often resulting from these common situations:
Unattended Cooking: One of the leading causes of kitchen fires is leaving cooking unattended. It’s easy to get distracted with guests arriving or other dishes needing attention, but always keep an eye on what’s on the stove or in the oven.
Grease Fires: Turkey, ham, and gravy may be holiday favorites, but these greasy foods can lead to fires if not carefully managed. Grease fires are dangerous and can spread quickly, so knowing how to handle them is essential.
Faulty Appliances and Overloaded Electrical Outlets: Adding small appliances, such as slow cookers and electric mixers, to your kitchen routine is common during the holiday season. However, overloading outlets can create electrical hazards that lead to fires. Always check that appliances are in good working order and avoid plugging too many into one outlet.
Fire safety doesn’t have to be complex. Follow these tips to keep your kitchen – and your holiday dinner – safe this season:
Never Leave Food Unattended: Whether you’re roasting a turkey, baking a pie, or sautéing vegetables, stay in the kitchen while cooking. Set timers to remind you to check on dishes that may take longer.
Keep a Lid Nearby: For stovetop cooking, always have a lid nearby to smother flames if a fire starts in a pot or pan. Never use water on a grease fire; instead, turn off the heat and cover the pot until it cools.
Keep Flammable Items Away from the Stove: Oven mitts, paper towels, wooden utensils, and other flammable items should be kept away from hot surfaces to avoid accidental ignition.
Test Your Smoke Alarms: Before the holiday season, test your smoke alarms to ensure they’re working correctly. They’re one of the most effective ways to detect fires early and get everyone to safety.
The holidays should be a time of joy, not stress over potential fire hazards. In the unfortunate event of a kitchen fire, SERVPRO of East Lansing / Haslett is here to help with professional restoration services. Our team understands the unique needs of East Lansing homeowners and provides quick, efficient service to make your home safe again.
If you need assistance with fire damage restoration, visit SERVPRO of East Lansing / Haslett to learn more and get the help you need to keep your home protected this holiday season!