American Red Cross shares holiday cooking fire safety tips

Holiday cooking fire safety advice from the American Red Cross

The American Red Cross has issued a set of guidelines to prevent kitchen fires during the holiday season.

Cooking fires remain the leading cause of home fires and injuries, with the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) highlighting Thanksgiving as the peak day for such incidents, followed by Christmas Day and Christmas Eve.

The risk of kitchen fires increases with more time spent cooking, making awareness and precaution essential.

The Red Cross emphasizes the need to stay attentive while cooking, especially during holiday feasts.

According to a survey, 70% of individuals admitted to leaving food unattended on the stove, a common cause of kitchen fires.

Seven safety rules for holiday cooking

The Red Cross provides seven critical safety measures for preventing cooking fires:

1. Never leave cooking food unattended.
2. Turn off the stove if you need to leave the kitchen.
3. Keep flammable items like dishtowels and paper products away from the stove.
4. Avoid wearing loose clothing while cooking.
5. Turn off burners at the first sign of smoke or boiling grease.
6. Keep a lid or cookie sheet nearby to smother pan fires and prevent spreading.
7. Turn pot handles inward to avoid accidental spills.
8. Use a timer to monitor cooking and check appliances before leaving or going to bed.

These steps aim to minimize the likelihood of accidents and ensure safer cooking practices.

NFPA recommendations for managing fire and burns

The NFPA also outlines specific actions to manage fires and burn hazards effectively.

It advises homeowners to test smoke alarms before starting holiday cooking and keep children away from hot liquids, stovetops, and dangling appliance cords.

To address potential fires, the NFPA suggests using a fire extinguisher for small, manageable fires while maintaining a clear escape route.

For larger fires, leaving the home immediately and calling emergency services is the safest approach.

“If you have any doubt about fighting a small fire, just get out,” the NFPA advises.

Additional holiday safety measures amid COVID-19

The Red Cross also includes safety measures related to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The organization recommends avoiding large gatherings, opting instead for small family dinners or virtual celebrations.

If food is prepared for others, the Red Cross advises delivering it without direct contact.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) supports these recommendations, urging Americans to stay home to prevent virus transmission.

These precautions aim to promote both fire safety and public health during the holiday season.

Holiday cooking fire safety advice from the American Red Cross: Summary

The American Red Cross and the NFPA have issued safety guidelines to address the increased risk of kitchen fires during the holiday season.

Key recommendations include staying attentive while cooking, keeping flammable items away from heat sources, and using timers to avoid accidents.

The NFPA highlights the importance of smoke alarms and provides advice for managing fires, stressing the need to prioritize safety and call emergency services if necessary.

Additionally, the Red Cross advises celebrating the holidays with COVID-19 safety in mind, suggesting small gatherings or virtual events.

These measures aim to reduce fire-related incidents and maintain public health during the festive season.