Top 3 Ways to Prevent Kitchen Fires this Holiday Season

No matter what time of year, the kitchen is the source for most home fires, but they are much more likely to occur during the holiday season. More home fires take place in the months of November and December than any of the other months, and this is largely due to increased kitchen activity.

Homeowners are busily preparing turkeys, hams, baked goods and other treats and frequently not paying enough attention to the process because of holiday distractions. Those who are trying to find ways of minimizing their chances of experiencing a home fire this season can take several small steps that will help prevent them from becoming a statistic. Following are three tips that can keep families and their guests safer from the dangers of fire.

1. Keep children out of the kitchen. Because many fires start with things being accidentally knocked over by frolicking children, make it a rule that they are not to be allowed in the kitchen while cooking is in progress. It may be necessary to put physical barriers in place if very young children will are present in the home. Provide plenty of toys, games and videos to keep active, curious children entertained and out from underfoot.

2. Point pot holders toward the back of the stove to prevent them from sticking out and creating a risk for being knocked over. It’s also recommended that back burners be used whenever possible for large pots and those containing dishes that require long cooking times.

3. Wearing loose clothing is one of the major reasons why home cooks catch on fire while preparing meals in their kitchens. Clothing worn by cooking should be close-to-the-body and not involve superfluous frills.

It’s also important that homeowners as well as renters be properly protected so that a holiday home fire doesn’t burn up their budget as well as their house. Good home insurance policies are instrumental in making fire survival as stress free as possible.

*