As the holiday season approaches, we look forward to all of the exciting things that come with it. From cooking, spending time with family and friends, giving and receiving gifts, there are so many exciting things to look forward to. Although the holidays are a happy and exciting time of the year, it is also the time where kitchen safety is more important than ever. Accidents in the kitchen spike during the holiday season, especially at Thanksgiving where there is a 200% increase in reported fires. Frome fire safety to personal safety, there’s a lot to keep in mind. Here are some helpful tips that can prepare you for a safe holiday season.

Get Clean

It is important to make sure your oven and any other tools used for cooking are clean before heavy-duty holiday use. Many ovens have a self cleaning feature, but you can also use a handheld steamer to break up any built-up grease that may have remained in the oven. Also,be aware of and clean any messes that might have been made while preparing the food.

Know How To Prevent Cooking Fires 

Make sure to be alert and present while you’re cooking and don’t leave any food unattended while it’s cooking. Keep any rags or paper towels away from any flames or hot surfaces. If you are deep frying a turkey, set up your cooking station 10+ feet away from your house and deck, have a fire extinguisher nearby, and never leave the fryer unattended. If you have any candles lit around your home, don’t forget to blow them out!

Make Sure Outlets Are Up To Code

Whether it is the first holiday season you are spending in a new home, or you have been living in your home for years, make sure all of the outlets are up to code. With preparing food, you will be using your electrical system to the max. Also, check your cords on the appliances you will be using to make sure they are in good shape.

Buy A Fire Extinguisher

Although this might be an obvious one, you would be surprised how many homes do not have a fire extinguisher. It is best to keep one on each level of your home to ensure there is always one easily accessible in case of a fire. Keep the one in your kitchen especially in an easy to reach area.

Be Baby Proofed (if needed) 

It might not be a thought if you don’t have young kids, but if you’re entertaining guests who do, it might make them feel safer if you baby proof. Move any cleaning supplies to a higher shelf, make sure all pots and pans handles are turned to the side or towards the back of the stove, and make sure any small or sharp objects are not in reach of any children.

Make the holidays more enjoyable by following these tips. Taking precaution can create less time for worrying and more time to enjoy this wonderful time of the year!

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Content edited by personal injury attorney Judd Shaw. From the beginning, Judd established a set of Core Values laying out the pursuit for excellence in client service. He is a regular host of the Working The Wow podcast, with the belief that providing an exceptional client experience is just as important as delivering a quality service or product. You can find us in Red Bank and Tom‘s River, New Jersey.