’Tis the Season for Holiday Cooking Safety

According to the National Fire Protection Agency (NFPA), most home fires are caused by cooking. Traditionally, November and December are when most cooking fires occur because of the holidays.

Cooking fires are usually caused by one of the following reasons: grease or food that catches fire; faulty cooking equipment; and combustible items placed too close to the stove. Moreover, unattended cooking is the No. 1 cause of kitchen fires, so it’s important to be informed about common causes and how to avoid them:

• Never leave the oven or stove unattended when cooking. Stay alert while frying, broiling or grilling food, and turn off the stove if you have to leave the kitchen.

• Use a timer when roasting, simmering, baking or boiling food.

• Avoid wearing loose clothes and roll up your sleeves when cooking. Tie back long hair.

• Keep children and pets at least 3 feet away from heat sources when cooking. Make sure to turn pot handles away from the stove edge, so that kids can’t reach them.

• Keep flammable materials such as oven mitts, wooden utensils and potholders at a safe distance from the stove.

• Prevent grease buildup by cleaning cooking surfaces and appliances regularly. Grease can easily catch fire, so make sure to wipe up any spills and keep the stovetop heating coils and oven grease-free.

• Have a fire extinguisher in the kitchen. Use the pull, air, squeeze and pass (PASS)

technique when using a fire extinguisher. Baking soda can also be used to douse a stovetop fire.

• Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions when using a microwave. Never use aluminum foil or metal in a microwave oven.

• Keep combustible items like decorations, paper bags or towels at least 2 feet away from the stovetop.

• Do not use faulty cooking equipment.

• Never store combustible items like wooden or plastic utensils, paper or fabric towels in the oven or on top of burners Celebrate this holiday season responsibly. Do not cook if you have consumed alcoholic beverages or prescription drugs that may impair your ability to cook safely. —Eloy Gomez emergency safety coordinator