Food is a big part of holiday fun, but festivities can take your attention away from cooking and lead to fires.
More cooking fires occur on Thanksgiving than any other day of the year. In fact, the National Fire Protection Association reports that three times as many home fires occur on that holiday compared with the average day, with Christmas Day and Christmas Eve not far behind.
Holiday decorations and candles can also be fire hazards, but cooking is still the number one cause of home fires. Home fires also tend to increase during the winter months because people are using their fireplaces and other heating equipment more often.
Before you bake, broil, grill, sear or fry, remember these tips for fireproof feasts:
- Avoid an overcooked meal or worse by having someone on cooking duty at all times. If you have to leave, turn off cooking equipment.
- Plan family time, walks, television, chores and other activities outside of meal preparation time to limit distractions.
- Everyone loves hanging out in the kitchen – which can lead to bumps, spills and other injuries, especially when kids are involved. To minimize accidents and divert traffic, put snacks, games and toys in another room.
- Grills and other gasoline- or charcoal-burning devices should only be used outdoors.
- If you are sleepy or have consumed alcohol, step away from cooking and designate a “driver” to take the lead.
- Keep towels, paper products and other flammable materials away from heat.
- Smother grease fires with a metal lid or baking soda. Never use water and make sure to turn off the heat. If a fire starts in the oven, turn off the heat and keep the door closed.
- Have a fully functional fire extinguisher handy for emergencies. Call 911 for help.
Fire Safety: Beyond Cooking
- Be careful not to overload electrical outlets with heaters. Stick to one heater per plug.
- Unplug holiday lights and decorations before leaving the house or going to bed.
- Make sure to use lights and extension cords in their proper location. Indoor and outdoor lights can be very different.
- Examine holiday light strands for wear and tear. Test strands for burned out bulbs and replace them before using.
- Don’t connect more than three strands of lights together.
- Keep flammable objects at least three feet away from heaters and fireplaces.
- Always keep burning candles in sight and away from children, pets and holiday decorations, including trees and flowers. Consider switching to flameless candles.
- Test your smoke alarms and replace dead batteries.
Play it safe this season. For more information, call your AAA insurance agent or insurance customer service, or visit your local branch.
