Keep your family safe during these joyful times by learning some basic holiday food preparation safety tips before you start cooking. 

During the holidays, family and friends gather to celebrate. Usually, food is involved. But not all feasts turn out festive. The United States Fire Administration estimates more than 2,000 residential fires are reported each Thanksgiving, with cooking the leading cause.

“The holidays are supposed to be a wonderful time for families to be together in celebration,” said Jon Elkins, vice president of safety, training and compliance at Indiana Electric Cooperatives. “We just want them to take precautions and be safe.”

Protect your home and family from fire hazards by installing smoke alarms in every bedroom, outside each sleeping area, and on every level of the home. Test the batteries in each smoke alarm every month and replace them once a year. Creating an escape plan for the whole family will ensure that no matter the circumstances, everyone knows how to exit safely.

Unattended cooking equipment is the leading cause of home cooking fires; always be sure someone takes over the preparation when needed. Before cooking, clean the stovetop and oven to wipe away any grease or dust to prevent a fire. 

While cooking, it’s easy to forget about something in the oven, especially when you’re entertaining guests. Use a kitchen timer to make sure your dish doesn’t burn to a crisp, creating a fire hazard. When cooking on the stove, protect you and any reaching hands from spills or burns by using the back burners. If children are in the room, keep a close eye on them, or guide them out of the kitchen. If cooking over a hot stove, wear short or close-fitting sleeves to avoid a fire.

Always locate appliances away from the sink to avoid any electrical dangers. Plug countertop appliances into Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI)-protected outlets and keep cords away from hot surfaces like toasters. When finished with these appliances, always unplug them to save energy and avoid electrical hazards.

Before your family can sit down and enjoy the meal you just prepared, be sure all appliances have been turned off. Then you can all enjoy each other’s company during the holiday season with peace of mind knowing everyone is safe.

Checklist for kitchen safety

Are any appliances plugged into extension cords on a permanent basis?

If the answer is “yes,” have a licensed electrician install new outlets where needed or move equipment closer to an outlet. Extension cords are for temporary use and can become a fire hazard.

Are all appliance cords placed so they will not come in contact with hot surfaces?

If you answered “no,” move cords away from all heat sources to avoid them melting or burning from the excess heat.

Is any cord cracked, frayed or otherwise damaged?

If you answered “yes,” do not used damaged cords, especially if there are exposed wires. Have a licensed electrician replace the cord or replace the equipment.