24/7 Emergency ServiceEnjoy Cooking Your Holiday Meals Without the Risk of Fire | SERVPRO of Reno Southwest
11/17/2023 (Permalink)
Fire damage in your home? Not for long with SERVPRO of Reno Southwest on the case!
The holidays are here, and what is better at this time of year than donning a holiday shirt or hat, cranking up the tunes and baking or cooking your favorite seasonal food? We would bet you make the best pumpkin pie or cookies in the shape of Santa Claus in the area!
While this time of year is great for many reasons, it is also the time of year when there is a rise in the number of house fires, especially those that start in the kitchen. Understanding your risk and taking the preventive steps below can help you avoid starting a blaze that is sure to put a damper on your holiday season.
You should always make sure that your workspace is clean and prepared for the food you are about to make. Clear off the counters and remove any clutter off the floor that could be a tripping hazard. You should also make your kitchen a kid- and pet-free zone while the oven is on or a burner is lit.
Many kitchen fires start because there is an excess of flammable materials nearby a heat source. Put pot holders, oven mitts, wooden utensils and even holiday decorations away while you are cooking. Even just a single spark or a flareup on your gas stove can lead to disaster.
In addition to the flammable materials in your kitchen, you should also be aware of the flammable materials on your body! Cute holiday accessories and aprons may be festive, but they can also catch on fire. Roll up your sleeves and choose your attire wisely.
It can be easy to not pay super close attention to your food if the recipe you are working on is one you have done hundreds of times. However, that doesn’t mean the risk of starting a house fire isn’t there anymore! That’s why you need to stay close to your kitchen while you have food in the oven or on the stove. Even just walking away for a minute is enough time for a flame to catch and spread.
If you and your family enjoy deep-frying a turkey during the holidays, please use extreme caution and choose a responsible adult to handle the execution. Do not overfill the fryer and choose a flat, nonflammable surface to set it up.
You should also do your research and pull out your turkey to thaw completely in time for your festivities. A partially frozen turkey can lead to oil spattering and popping as it is lowered into the fryer.
We know that fire is unpredictable and even if you do everything right, fire can still break out. Having a backup in place to alert you to a developing situation is crucial, so now is the time to check on your smoke alarms and update batteries as needed.
You should also invest in a fire extinguisher that is just for your kitchen. Having quick access to an extinguisher can help you take control of a small situation before it becomes a serious issue.
Have a safe and happy holiday season with your loved ones! Just remember that we are always here if a fire breaks out and you are left with fire damage in your home. We will get your space cleaned, sanitized and restored so you can get back to your festivities ahead.
House fires can happen in the blink of an eye. Contact us for a quick restoration day or night!