WENHAM–Chief Stephen Kavanagh and the Wenham Fire Department would like to provide safety tips to ensure residents stay safe and prevent home fires while cooking this season.
According to the National Fire Protection Association, cooking fires are the leading cause of home fire and fire injuries.
“We want residents to stay safe as they prepare their holiday meals this week, and it’s important for everyone to remember to never leave cooking attended,” Chief Kavanagh said. “Everyone is advised to also regularly test their smoke and carbon monoxide alarms, and to keep the space where they’ll be cooking clear to reduce the risk of falling, spilling hot liquids and so on.”
To prevent cooking home fires, the Wenham Fire Department wishes to share the following tips from the NFPA so families can prepare meals safely:
- Never leave anything cooking unattended.
- Stay home when cooking, and be attentive to cooking appliances.
- Keep children and pets away from the stove. Kids and pets should be kept three feet away from the stove.
- Make sure kids stay away from hot food and liquids. The steam or splash from vegetables, gravy or coffee can cause serious burns.
- Keep knives out of the reach of children.
- Be sure electric cords from an electric knife, coffee maker, plate warmer or mixer are not dangling off the counter within easy reach of a child.
- Keep matches and utility lighters out of the reach of children — up high in a locked cabinet.
- Keep the kitchen and dining room floor clear so you don’t trip over kids, toys, pocketbooks or bags while cooking or handling food.
- Test your smoke alarms and make sure their batteries are replaced if needed.
If you have more questions about cooking safely in your home please contact the Wenham Fire Department at 978-468-5508.
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