The holiday season is a time for family, friends, and festive meals, but it also comes with its share of risks, particularly when it comes to cooking. As a disaster restoration company, we understand the devastating effects of a kitchen fire, not only on your home but also on your holiday spirit. That’s why we’ve put together these tips for preventing cooking fires during holiday celebrations.

  1. Stay in the Kitchen While Cooking

One of the most important rules to prevent cooking fires is simple: never leave cooking food unattended. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) reported that cooking equipment is the leading cause of home fires, and the majority of these fires happen when someone leaves food cooking on the stove or in the oven. If you need to step away, ask someone to keep an eye on the food!

  1. Keep Flammable Items Away from Heat

It’s easy to overlook common kitchen items when preparing your holiday meal. Towels, oven mitts, napkins, and other flammable materials should always be kept away from heat sources. Make sure that all cooking surfaces are clear, and that anything that could catch fire is placed far from the stove or oven.

  1. Maintain Your Appliances

Before the holiday season cooking begins, ensure that your appliances are in good working condition. Check your oven, stovetop, and other cooking appliances to make sure everything is working properly. Clean out grease buildup from stovetops, and make sure your oven is free of old food spills, which can catch fire during high-heat cooking.

  1. Create a Safe Cooking Space

If you’re hosting a large gathering, your kitchen can get crowded. A cluttered kitchen can not only make cooking difficult, but can also increase the risk of fires. Make sure that only those actively helping with meal prep and cooking are in the kitchen, and keep children and pets out of the cooking zone. Distractions are one of the main causes of kitchen fires, so creating a safe, clutter-free space can help reduce those risks.

  1. Use the Right Cooking Equipment

Make sure that you are using the correct cookware for your cooking tasks! Heavy pots and pans should be placed on the correct size burners, and if you’re using a fryer, never overfill it with oil and always monitor the temperature.

  1. Have a Fire Extinguisher on Hand

Even a small kitchen fire can escalate quickly. The key is to have a fire extinguisher nearby to help contain the fire before it spreads. Make sure the fire extinguisher is rated for kitchen use (Class K for cooking oils and fats) and familiarize yourself with how to use it. In case of a grease fire, NEVER use water, as it can cause the fire to spread. Instead, turn off the heat source, cover the fire with a metal lid or pan, and use the fire extinguisher if needed.

  1. Teach Everyone Fire Safety

It’s not just the cook who needs to be fire-aware; everyone in your household should know basic fire safety tips. Ensure that your family or guests are aware of the potential fire hazards in the kitchen, and show them where the fire extinguisher is located. If you’re cooking with kids around, supervise them closely and keep them away from the stove, oven, or any other hot surfaces. Consider involving them in other aspects of meal preparation that are safe, such as setting the table or washing vegetables!

  1. Install Smoke Alarms and Carbon Monoxide Detectors

Test all smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors before your holiday meals begin. The last thing you want is a fire to go unnoticed because your alarm isn’t working properly! Replace batteries regularly, and make sure alarms are placed in all the right areas of your home, especially near the kitchen. This precaution can provide an extra layer of safety in case of an emergency.

  1. Know What to Do in Case of a Fire

Despite our best efforts, accidents can still happen. Know what to do if a fire breaks out in your kitchen. If it’s a very small fire, you may try to extinguish it with the proper fire extinguisher or by covering the flames with a metal lid. If the fire is large or out of control, evacuate your family immediately and call 9-1-1. Don’t try to salvage the meal—your safety is the top priority!

Final Thoughts

The holiday season should be a time of joy, not disaster. By following these simple tips, you can reduce the risk of cooking fires and keep your home and loved ones safe. Preventing fires starts with awareness, preparation, and a few precautions can make a world of difference.

At Royal Plus, we specialize in disaster restoration, and we’re here to help you recover from any fire or water damage should the unexpected happen. This holiday season, we encourage you to cook with caution and prioritize safety!