What you should know about home cooking safety
Because many families and friends engage in cooking during the holidays, it is important to follow some basic safety tips to avoid accidents.
According to the National Fire Protection Association, cooking is the leading cause of home fires. One out of three home fires begins in the kitchen, more than any other place in the home.
The number-one cause of fires in the kitchen is unattended cooking. NFPA data shows Thanksgiving Day is the peak day for home cooking fires.
Because many families and friends engage in cooking during the holidays, it is important to follow some basic safety tips.
If sleepy or have consumed alcohol, don’t use the stove or stovetop. Stay in the kitchen while frying, grilling, boiling or broiling food. If simmering, baking or roasting food, check it regularly, remain in the kitchen while food is cooking and use a timer as a reminder. Keep anything that can catch fire — oven mitts, wooden utensils, food packaging, towels or curtains — away from the stovetop.
In case of a cooking fire, just get out. After leaving, close the door to help contain the fire. Call 911 or the local emergency number after leaving.
If you try to fight the fire, be sure others get out and you have a clear way out. Keep a lid nearby when cooking to smother small grease fires. Smother the fire by sliding the lid over the pan and turn off the stovetop. Leave the pan covered until it is completely cooled. For an oven fire, turn off the heat and keep the door closed.
When cooking with oil, always stay in the kitchen when frying on the stovetop. Keep an eye on what you fry. If you see wisps of smoke or the oil smells, immediately turn off the burner and/or carefully remove the pan from the burner.
Smoke is a danger sign that the oil is too hot. Heat the oil slowly to the temperature needed for frying or sautéing. Add food gently to the pot or pan so the oil does not splatter. Always cook with a lid beside the pan. If there is a fire, slide the lid over the pan and turn off the burner. Do not remove the cover because the fire could start again. Let the pan cool for a long time. Never throw water on the fire.
If the fire does not go out or you don’t feel comfortable sliding a lid over the pan, get everyone out of your home. Call the fire department from outside.
Additional resources include Turkey Fryer Safety at www.statefarm.com/simple-insights/residence/15-turkey-fryer-safety-tips and Putting Kitchen Safety First at www.statefarm.com/simple-insights/residence/putting-kitchen-safety-first.