Tips For Holiday Meal Prepping Safely

12/15/2023 (Permalink)

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

If you are like us, you are dreaming of all of the delicious holiday food that is going to be donning your family table and your plate this upcoming season. Whatever holidays you celebrate and however you celebrate them, chances are that you will be whipping up your favorite meals and treats in the kitchen to get ready.

Unfortunately, house fires are more common in the fall and winter months, especially those that originate in the kitchen. Knowing what causes kitchen fires and how to reduce your risk can help you stay focused on your mashed potato recipe or pumpkin pie without the risk of starting a fire.

Controlling Your Space

The first thing you should always do before starting the oven or stove is to prepare your space. Excess clutter on the counters and floors can be fire hazards, but they can also become fuel for a fire if one does start.

You should also remove as many flammable materials and objects as possible. Put away pot holders, kitchen towels, oven mitts and wooden utensils when they are not in use.

In addition, you also need to be mindful about how you dress while you are making your food. Loose sleeves, long apron strings or holiday outfits with all the bells and whistles can easily catch fire if you get too close to your heat source. Roll up your sleeves and choose your clothing carefully.

Keep a Watchful Eye on Your Food

There should always be someone in charge of the kitchen that stays nearby the oven or stove while it is on. Even just stepping away for a moment can be enough time for a flame to flare up or for a grease bubble to pop. By the time you come back, your entire kitchen could be in flames.

If your family loves to deep-fry turkeys every year, extra precautions should be taken into consideration. Do not overfill the fryer with oil and choose a safe location that is flat and far away from any overhangs or garages.

You should also be sure to pull out your turkey to completely thaw before it goes into the oil. A partially frozen turkey can react negatively with the oil and cause it to spatter and pop.

Check Those Alarms

Even if you are the most responsible chef, accidents can happen or the unexpected can occur in the blink of an eye. That’s why having protective measures like smoke alarms is important! Check the batteries in each of your alarms every month and replace them as needed to ensure they are ready to work.

You also should have a fire extinguisher in or near your kitchen at all times. Having a reliable way to extinguish flames can help you put a stop to any developing situation in seconds.

We hope you have a holly jolly season with your loved ones but remember that we are always here if you need us. Our team can handle any fire damage that you experience, and we will put your home back together right away!

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