Emergency Management
Holiday season cooking and fire safety tips
The holiday season is a time for family, food and celebration, but it’ s also the peak time for home cooking fires nationwide. Whether you’ re roasting a turkey in the oven or frying one outdoors, following simple safety steps can help keep your holiday joyful and hazard-free.
Cooking safety essentials Extra precautions should be taken when frying foods
• Stay in the kitchen: Never leave food unattended on the stove. If you must step away, turn off burners.
• Keep away children and pets: Create a“ kid-free zone” of at least three feet around the stove or fryer.
• Use timers: Set reminders to check on dishes regularly, especially those cooking for long periods.
• Clear the area: Keep flammable items like oven mitts, towels and packaging away from heat sources.
• Check appliances: Ensure ovens, stoves and fryers are in good working order before use.
• Choose the right location: Always fry outdoors, away from walls, garages or wooden decks.
• Thaw completely: Some items( such as meat) cannot be fried while frozen; ice and water could cause dangerous oil splatters.
• Monitor oil temperature: Use a thermometer to prevent overheating.
• Have an extinguisher nearby: Keep a Class K( kitchen) fire extinguisher ready for grease fires.
In case of fire
• Grease fires: Never use water. Smother flames with a lid or use a fire extinguisher.
• Call 911 immediately if the fire grows beyond your control.
Cooking for family and friends is a common theme during the holiday season and the focus should be about gratitude and togetherness, not emergencies. By practicing safe cooking habits, Floridians can enjoy their holiday meals without risk.
For more fire safety tips, visit https:// www. ready. gov / home-fires.
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