Crime & Safety

Number of Cooking Fires Increase Over Christmas

Here's how to stay safe while cooking over the Christmas holiday.

Cooking up a big holiday feast? Be aware that the number of cooking fires soars in American households over Christmas and Christmas Eve.

To help prevent cooking fires, the United States Fire Administration has offered the following tips:

  • Make sure stove tops, burners, ovens, microwaves and other cooking appliances are clean and working properly. Don’t use extension cords for microwaves and other cooking appliances.
  • Keep flammable materials, such as potholders, oven mitts, towels and cooking utensils, away from the stovetop. Avoid loose-fitting clothing that could catch fire from a gas flame or electric burner.
  • Don’t leave food unattended on a stove top or in the oven—especially if you’re frying, grilling or broiling food. Turn off the burners, even if you’re just leaving the kitchen for a short time.
  • Never leave the house with food cooking on the stove or in the oven.
  • Stay alert. Avoid cooking if you’ve been drinking alcohol or taking medication that makes you drowsy.
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