With holiday gatherings, guests to feed, meals to prepare, the kitchen gets a lot of use during this time of year. With more use and more people in the kitchen, it’s important to ensure your kitchen is as safe as possible in order to avoid any accidents. Here are 6 easy tips for keeping your kitchen safe and your holidays happy.
1. Unplug
Even powered off, small appliances continue to draw electricity when plugged into an electrical outlet. It is best to unplug small appliance like toasters, coffee pots, and slow-cookers when they are not in use to avoid any potential danger.
2. Test Smoke Detectors
Before you begin baking your holiday treats or traditional meals, make sure your smoke detectors are working properly and that the batteries have been replaced.
3. Dress Appropriately
When cooking, it’s best to wear clothing that cannot easily get caught on handles. Use oven mitts if you are handling hot pots and pans. If you have long hair, be sure to keep it out of your way. Also try to avoid wearing bracelets or dangling jewelry, for extra precautions!
4. Inspect Appliances
With all the cooking done during the holiday season, it’s smart to make sure your major appliances are in tip-top shape. By deep cleaning the oven and keeping the stove wiped down this will help maintain your appliances. If you notice any appliance issues, unplug the appliance and have it inspected by a professional before attempting to use it again.
5. Invest in a Fire Extinguisher
Owning a fire extinguisher and storing it in your kitchen will keep an unexpected kitchen fire from escalating to quickly. Store your fire extinguisher in a place that is easy to access. Also notify your family members on where it is located and inform them on the proper way to use it.
6. Keep Lids Handy
Did you know grease is responsible for most kitchen fires? If you are frying any of your holiday dishes, make sure you have a lid nearby to smother a small grease fire if one should start.
So next time you are in the kitchen prepping for friends and family to gather around in the kitchen, implement these easy tips to keep your holiday festivites disaster-free!
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