Prep for the Holiday Season With Fire Safety in Mind | SERVPRO of Sumter

11/17/2023 (Permalink)

Fire damage in your home? Not for long with SERVPRO of Sumter on the case!

The holidays are right around the corner, and we certainly hope you are gearing up for another season surrounded by your very best friends and loving family. No matter what holidays you celebrate with your family, you are bound to be making some sort of delicious homemade food.

Whether you are in charge of bringing your famous pumpkin pie or you are hosting the entire dinner yourself, practicing safe food strategies is key to avoiding dangerous house fires.

The number of house fires increases during the holiday season, especially those that start in the kitchen. Taking these preventive steps while you are whipping up your food can greatly reduce your risk of starting a fire that would certainly derail your holiday festivities.

Controlling Flammable Materials in the Kitchen

Before you even light your stove or preheat your oven, preparing your space should always take priority. Since so many fires start in the kitchen, having a clean and safe work space from the start can reduce your risk.

Remove as many flammable items as possible from around your appliances. Pot holders, oven mitts, wooden utensils and holiday decorations can easily catch on fire if too close to an open flame or heat.

In addition, you need to be cautious about your outfit choice when you are cooking. Cute holiday accessories or decorative aprons may add a nice touch to your holiday season, but loose strings or clothing can also catch on fire and lead to catastrophe. Roll up your sleeves and choose your wardrobe wisely.

Keep a Watchful Eye on Food

Do not leave the kitchen if you are actively cooking or if you have something in the oven. This is incredibly important if you want to avoid a kitchen fire. It doesn’t matter if you are grilling, boiling, baking or frying, a fire can start in an instant and lead to your entire kitchen going up in flames by the time you return.

You also need to take extra precautions if your holiday festivities include deep-frying a turkey this year. Do not add too much oil to the fryer and be sure to set it up on a level, non-flammable surface.

Check the size of your turkey and set it out to thaw days before you need it, as your turkey should be completely thawed before being lowered into the pot.

Check on Your Protective Measures

We all know that accidents happen and fires aren’t completely preventable, but making sure your protective measures are in place can also reduce your risk of serious fire damage. Smoke alarms are crucial for every level of your home, and you should have at least one in your kitchen. Check the batteries often to ensure they are working properly.

You also should have a fire extinguisher close by. Move your fire extinguisher to the kitchen or purchase one that will stay there always. You should also keep a lid or another pan nearby while you are cooking to help you quickly extinguish any grease fires that pop up unexpectedly.

Be safe this holiday season and enjoy all of this wonderful time with friends and family. Remember, if your home does suffer any sort of fire damage, our team can help you clean up and rebuild your home right away so you don’t miss out on the festivities of the season.

House fires can happen in the blink of an eye. Contact us for a quick restoration day or night!