The kitchen is the heart of the home. Sadly, it’s also where two out of every five home fires start. Thanksgiving, Christmas and Christmas Eve hold a tradition of cooking, and safety should always be considered in the kitchen.
Sam Houston Electric Cooperative and the Electrical Safety Foundation International urge you to use these simple safety tips:
- Never leave cooking equipment unattended.
- Supervise little ones closely in the kitchen.
- Prevent potential fires by making sure your stovetop and oven are clean.
- 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.
- 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.
- Turn off appliances and unplug countertop appliances when not in use.
For more important safety tips to keep you and your family safe this holiday season and throughout the year, visit www.esfi.org.
