Now that the days of Zoom holidays are hopefully behind us, it’s time once again to stuff that turkey and prepare a meal for a crowd. But did you know the number one cause of fires and injuries in the US is a mishap in the kitchen? However, these disasters can be avoided with a little care and caution. So, let’s break down the safest ways to prepare Thanksgiving dinner this season.
Thanksgiving Do’s and Don'ts
Do: Stay in the kitchen while cooking. If you can take the heat, then by all means stay in the kitchen. Attending to your stove/oven at all times is crucial to not only making a delicious meal, but also preventing fires.
Don’t: Cook alone. To safely cook a large feast, a chef needs a sous-chef. Whether it is a family-member, or friend, having a helper to make sure that stovetops are not left unattended while cooking is essential. If you need a break, make sure your helper is nearby to keep an eye on all the bubbling, boiling, baking food.
Do: Wear proper clothing. While cooking the Thanksgiving meal, wear properly fitted clothes. Short or rolled-up sleeves are preferable. Don’t wear any loose-fitting tops, especially ones with voluminous long sleeves or flowy fabric that could graze your stovetop or candles. Once everything is cooked, you can change into your festive clothes, or your pilgrim top hat and pajamas. :-) That part is up to you!
Don’t: Leave any combustible materials lying around. One of the most common causes of kitchen fires is errant materials left on or near the stovetop. Make sure your counters and cooking appliances are clear of any paper, cotton, or other materials which might ruin your Thanksgiving plans and beyond.
Don’t: Forget to blow out the candles. Whether for aromatherapy or atmosphere, the holidays are when ALL the candles come out. After a long day of family, turkey, pie (and football), it can be easy to forget that scented candle you put in the powder room. So, be sure and do one last check at the end of the day and make sure every single candle has been extinguished.
As for fire safety in general, it’s always a good idea to have a functional fire extinguisher handy in your home. In general, fire extinguishers should be checked once a month depending on where they are kept.
For more information about homeowner’s insurance and reducing your risk for home and property damage, reach out to your experts at Paradigm Insurance at 484-685-0961.