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Set the Table for Holiday Cooking Safety

  Set the Table for Holiday Cooking Safety


Whether testing out a new dish or whipping up a family classic, there’s one element that always should be on the menu: safety. Follow this recipe for kitchen safety to make sure this year’s holiday festivities contribute to happy memories and not a hazardous home.

Recipe for Kitchen Safety

Ingredients

  • Functioning smoke alarms
  • 1 kitchen timer
  • Working ground-fault circuit interrupters
  • Clean appliances
  • 1 healthy dose of vigilance

Directions

1. Smoke alarms should be installed in every bedroom, outside each sleeping area and on every level of your home. For the best protection, smoke alarms should be interconnected so that they all sound if one sounds.

2. Test the batteries in each smoke alarm every month, replace batteries at least once a year and replace the unit every 10 years.

3. GFCIs are electrical safety devices that trip electrical circuits when they detect ground faults, or leakage currents, that could shock or electrocute. GFCIs should be installed where electricity and water may come into contact, such as in the kitchen. GFCIs should be tested every month.

4. Prevent fires by making sure your oven and stovetop are clean and free of grease and dust. You also should clean the exhaust hood and duct over the stove regularly.

5. Children should be closely supervised in the kitchen, and younger children should be kept at least 3 feet away from all cooking appliances. You should not cook if you are sleepy or under the influence of alcohol.

6. It’s easy to forget about something that’s cooking, especially when you’re entertaining guests. Use a kitchen timer to make sure your dish doesn’t become a fire hazard.

7. Enjoy! Being proactive about safety will give you peace of mind and allow you to enjoy your time with loved ones.