Holiday cooking safety tips

The kitchen is the heart of the home. Sadly, it’s also where two out of every five home fires start. Many home fires occur during what’s supposed to be the happiest time of the year – the holidays. Thanksgiving, Christmas and Christmas Eve hold a tradition of cooking, and safety should always be considered in the kitchen. As we embark on the holiday season, Tennessee’s Electric Cooperatives and the Electrical Safety Foundation International (ESFI) urge you to use these simple safety tips to identify and correct potential kitchen hazards:

• Never leave cooking equipment unattended, and always remember to turn off burners if you have to leave the room.
• Supervise the little ones closely in the kitchen. Make sure children stay at least three feet away from all cooking appliances.
• Prevent potential fires by making sure your stovetop and oven are clean and free of grease, dust and spilled food.
• Remember to clean the exhaust hood and duct over your stove on a regular basis.
• Keep the cooking area around the stove and oven clear of combustibles, such as towels, napkins and potholders.
• Always wear short or close-fitting sleeves when cooking. Loose clothing can catch fire.
• To protect from spills and burns, use the back burners and turn the pot handles in, away from reaching hands.
• Locate all appliances away from the sink.
• Plug countertop appliances into ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI)-protected outlets.
• Keep appliance cords away from hot surfaces like the range or toaster.
• Unplug the toaster and other countertop appliances when not in use.
• Be sure to turn off all appliances when cooking is completed.

For more important safety tips to keep you and your family safe this holiday season and throughout the year, visit www.esfi.org.

The Electrical Safety Foundation International (ESFI) is a 501(c) (3) organization dedicated exclusively to promoting electrical safety in the home, school, and workplace. ESFI proudly engages in public education campaigns throughout the year to prevent electrical fires, injuries and fatalities.