As the holiday season approaches, all things warm and bright are in season. However, kitchen fires remain a strong exception. If you’re eager to participate in the cold weather festivities with your family—such as decorating and baking—it’s crucial to learn how to avoid potential disasters along the way. Use the following kitchen safety tips to avoid the need for fire restoration this season.

3 Kitchen Safety Tips to Prevent the Need for Fire Restoration

1. Be Vigilant

When it comes to cooking your favorite meals and treats this Thanksgiving, have every cook in the kitchen memorize the following rule: never leave a functioning appliance unattended. Though it might be tedious to keep an eye on the oven at all times, you can stay vigilant by bringing the fun to the cooking area. Play a game of cards on the kitchen counter, talk about your favorite memories of the past year, or keep the door to the living room open so you can listen to the parade. Whatever you do, never leave the house to run a last-minute errand or pick up a friend if the oven is still on.

2. Keep Cords in Line

During the holidays, your kitchen will likely be the most packed it has been all year. Since voices will be loud and knives will be in motion, it’s crucial to keep all cables out of the way. Should someone slip with the electric knife and slice into the toaster’s power cord, an electrical fire could easily break out. To minimize this risk, tape stationary cables underneath cabinets or against backsplashes.

3. Grab a Fire Extinguisher

You might have one of these essential fire safety tools in the house, but do you know where it is? Before you start whipping up your best dishes, find it and place it in an easy-to-reach area. If you’re going to be cooking a turkey or anything that gets greasy, you should have a grease fire extinguisher on hand, which is different from the all-purpose variety.

Looking for more advice on how to get through the season without an emergency? Talk to the fire restoration team at Rumpke Restoration of Loveland and Springdale, OH. In addition to cleaning up after smoke and soot-related messes, they also specialize in water damage and mold remediation. To learn more about their work, visit the website or call (513) 786-7537.