The holidays are a time for family, friends, fun, and food. Unexpected fires are not a popular addition to anyone’s holiday to-do list. Unfortunately, cooking-related fires make up the majority of home fires, with an average of 455 occurring every day.

Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, and Christmas have the highest number of kitchen fires of any day in the year, with four times as many fires occurring on Thanksgiving. Keeping your loved ones safe is the most important aspect of having a happy holiday season. As your insurance company, we want to help you and your family have a great holiday!

Here are some tips to make this an enjoyable holiday season:

• Keep flammable items away from the stovetop and oven. This includes oven mitts, dish towels, and food packaging.
• Avoid wearing loose clothing, which may catch on fire if it comes in contact with burners
• Do not leave cooking unattended. Stay in the kitchen while the stovetop is in use so you can keep an eye on the food. If you have something in the oven set a timer or reminder so it is not forgotten.
• Keep the floor clear. There should not be any tripping hazards, keep spills cleaned, and keep pets in a different room.
• Stay alert while cooking, if consuming alcohol or tired consider letting someone else take charge.
• Use extreme caution when handling hot food and liquid. Burns can be cause by coming in contact with the containers, the food and liquid, or even the steam from the dishes.
• When setting the table, place hot dishes towards the middle where they are less likely to be knocked over.
• Keep children away from the stove.

Even when following these tips there is still a chance an injury or fire could happen. In the event of an accident here are some tips to follow:

• In the event of a painful burn contact your doctor, or visit the emergency room.
• In the event of a fire, do not pour water on it. Water could cause hot oil to splash and the fire to spread.
• Slide a lid over the pan and turn off the stovetop, allowing the pan to cool completely.
• Baking soda can be used to extinguish small grease fires.
• If the oven catches fire, turn off the heat and keep the oven door closed.
• In the event of a large fire with heavy smoke and heat that is rapidly spreading, get out! Leave the kitchen and close the door to slow spread. Once safe, call 911 or a local emergency number.

You and your family’s holiday cheer is important to us. Give us a call or visit us online so we can help you get the coverage you need. We hope you all have a wonderful and safe holiday season this year. We all have so much to be grateful for, and we wish you all the best!

Sources: https://www.fireavert.com/post/thanksgiving-safety  and https://www.pcfd.org/guides/cooking-safety-tips-for-the-holidays/