Holiday Cooking

12/3/2020 (Permalink)

A table that is full of a holiday meal.

Holiday cooking can be a lot of work, but it can also be very enjoyable. There is a lot that needs to be considered when it comes to doing a big holiday meal. How many people are coming? Do you have enough food? What time should you start cooking the bird, and all of the side dishes? With all these decisions, and the holiday conversations and chaos, safety is often forgotten.

Believe it or not, cooking is the number one cause of home fires during the holidays. The American Red Cross has come up with a list of safety items to do, so you have a safe and happy holiday.

• Make sure you have a smoke alarm near your kitchen, on every level of your home, and inside and outside of any sleeping rooms if you sleep with the doors closed.

• Don’t wear loose clothing or sleeves that dangle while cooking.

• If you’re frying, grilling, or broiling, don’t leave it unattended. If you leave the kitchen, make sure someone is in the area or turn off the stove.

• If you’re simmering, baking, or broiling food, check on it regularly.

• The timer is your friend. Be sure to set it when cooking to remind you that stuff is in the oven.

• It is best to keep kids and pets away from the cooking area.

• Keep anything that can catch on fire away from anything that generates heat. Oven mitts, pot holders, wooden utensils, bags, towels and curtains are examples.

• Clean cooking surfaces on a regular basis. This helps prevent grease build up.

• Make sure you double-check all your appliances before going to bed. You want to make sure everything is shut off.

• It is a good idea to get a fire extinguisher to put in your kitchen in case of an accidental fire. Make sure you purchase the proper type of extinguisher, and know how to use it.

We at SERVPRO of Casper want to wish you all a very safe and happy holiday season!!!