Holiday cooking: Stay safe in the kitchen

  • Published
  • By Desmond Kirkendoll
  • Safety Office, 88th Air Base Wing

WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Ohio -- The holiday season is a time for bringing people together – with the family dinner being a big highlight of Christmas Day.

The 88th Air Base Wing’s safety team wants to provide some tips that’ll keep you and your family safe while cooking for loved ones.

While cooking, there are a few things you should consider. The first is to stay in the kitchen. The leading cause of kitchen fires is unattended cooking, according to the National Fire Protection Association. It’s important to remain there until you are finished cooking.

Check your smoke detectors prior to cooking to assure they are installed correctly and working. Another way to protect yourself is to purchase a Class K fire extinguisher, which is designed to extinguish grease fires.

For those who choose to fry a turkey, below are some safety guidelines recommended by the Consumer Product Safety Commission:

  • Keep fryer in full view while burner is on
  • Place fryer in an open area away from all walls, fences or other structures
  • Never use in, on or under a garage, breezeway, carport, porch or any structure that can catch fire
  • Turn off burner before putting in food
  • Raise and lower food slowly to reduce splatter and avoid burns
  • Once splatter subsides, relight burner
  • Cover bare skin when adding or removing food
  • Check the oil temperature frequently
  • If oil begins to smoke, immediately turn gas supply off
  • If a fire occurs, immediately call 911. Do not attempt to extinguish fire with water.

Whichever method you select, ensure you exercise caution, and enjoy a safe holiday season.

For more information about cooking safety, visit www.nfpa.org/Public-Education/Fire-causes-and-risks/Top-fire-causes/Cooking.