KEEP YOUR FESTIVITIES SAFE AND MERRY BY PERUSING THESE 10 FOOD PREPARATION TIPS BEFORE YOU GET STARTED IN THE KITCHEN:

1. Unattended cooking equipment is the leading cause of home cooking fires, so always be sure someone takes over the food preparation if you need to step out of the kitchen.
2. Before cooking, clean your stovetop and oven to wipe away any grease or dust; this will help prevent a fire.
3. Move all appliance cords away from heat sources to avoid the cords melting or burning.
4. If children are in the room, keep a close eye on them.
5. To minimize bacterial contamination, wash your hands before, during and after food preparation.
6. Take into consideration your refrigerator and freezer space so that you can keep cold food at 40 degrees Fahrenheit or below.
7. If you are using a cooler to help keep your food chilled, make sure you have plenty of clean ice and check your cooler frequently to make sure the ice has not melted.
8. If cooking over a hot stove, wear short or close-fitting sleeves to avoid catching your clothing on fire.
9. While cooking, use a kitchen timer to help ensure that your dish doesn’t burn, creating a fire hazard.
10. When finished cooking, always turn off your oven and stove, and unplug countertop appliances such as mixers and toasters.