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7 Tips For Avoiding Holiday Cooking Mishaps

Nov 21, 2017 6:30:00 AM

Holiday Cooking Mishaps - FB.jpgThe holiday season is often called the best time of the year. It is filled with special moments surrounded by family and friends. But come on, we all know what’s really important during this very special time of year: the food!

In these winter months, countless celebrations will be held. The gatherings will be filled with pies, turkeys, cookies, hams, candies, cocoa, and deliciousness galore! Unfortunately, that also means they will be filled with a variety of cooking perils. According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), “three times as many home cooking fires occur on Thanksgiving as on a typical day.”

Be it on Thanksgiving or any other holiday gathering, don’t let kitchen hazards put a damper on your special celebrations. Consider these 7 tips to keep your holidays happy…and full of delicious food!

  1. Cooking fires are incredibly common during the holiday season, mainly as a result of unattended cooking. Before making those big, time-consuming meals, make a schedule for cooking so you can prevent rushing and give each item equal attention. And, though you may be tempted, don’t leave your food unattended!

  2. Keep your kitchen de-cluttered while cooking. Too many bowls, plates, and utensils crowding the counters can lead to spillage, burns, and fires.

  3. Though the holiday season is all about togetherness, it’s a good idea to limit those preoccupying family interactions while working in the kitchen. Distracted cooking can lead to burns, oven or stove fires, and, worst of all, a ruined dish. Don’t give your mother-in-law any more ammo than she already has!

  4. Keep your face and hands safe from steam when removing hot pans or dishes. Tilt steaming or splattering dishes away from your face and remove lids slowly. Always be sure to have an oven mitt or potholder handy.

  5. Unplug smaller kitchen devices when they are not in use. In the event that they were accidentally turned on, this will prevent a fire or accidental injury. Plus, it helps save energy!

  6. Everyone has heard the horror stories about those turkey fryer mishaps—don’t be one of them! Always use extreme caution when handling a turkey fryer. Be sure to use it in an area that is clear from anything that might accidentally catch fire. Misuse can cause burns, injuries, and even significant property damage.

  7. Wherever and whatever you’re cooking, make sure to keep a fire extinguisher nearby and know how to use it! If an oven fire does occur, make sure to keep the heat turned off and the oven door closed, to prevent the flames from burning you or your clothing.

We wish you a very safe, happy, and tasty holiday season!!

Gibson

Written by Gibson

Gibson is a team of risk management and employee benefits professionals with a passion for helping leaders look beyond what others see and get to the proactive side of insurance. As an employee-owned company, Gibson is driven by close relationships with their clients, employees, and the communities they serve. The first Gibson office opened in 1933 in Northern Indiana, and as the company’s reach grew, so did their team. Today, Gibson serves clients across the country from offices in Arizona, Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, and Utah.