Safe & Happy Holidays: Red Cross urges holiday cooking and decorating safety to prevent home fires

Home fires increase significantly during the holiday months, often sparked by cooking accidents, unattended candles, or unsafe decorations. The American Red Cross of Western New York urges everyone to take simple steps to stay safe while celebrating – from keeping a close eye on what’s cooking to checking holiday lights and decorations for hazards. By taking precautions now, families can help prevent tragedies and enjoy a safer, happier holiday season.

“One in five people the Red Cross assists after home fires are helped in just the holiday months,” said Ken Turner, Regional Disaster Officer, American Red Cross of Western New York. “Home fires can strike quickly, leaving you with as little as two minutes to escape. Help protect your loved ones by practicing your home fire escape drill until everyone can get out in less than two minutes.”

COOKING SAFETY TIPS 

• Stay in the kitchen when you are frying, grilling, or broiling food. If you must leave the kitchen for even a short period, turn off the stove.
• Use a timer to remind yourself that the stove or oven is on. 
• Avoid wearing loose clothing or dangling sleeves while cooking.
• Keep kids and pets at least three feet away from cooking areas. 
• Keep anything that can catch on fire — potholders, oven mitts, wooden utensils, paper or plastic bags, food packaging, and towels or curtains — away from your stove top and oven or any other appliance that generates heat.
• Clean cooking surfaces regularly to prevent grease buildup.
• Consider purchasing a fire extinguisher to keep in your kitchen.
• Always check the kitchen before going to bed or leaving home to make sure all stoves, ovens, and small appliances are turned off. 

HOLIDAY DECORATING AND HEATING SAFETY 

• Provide at least three feet of space for all heating equipment.This is critical because most home heating fire tragedies occur when flammable items like furniture, rugs, and drapes are too close.
• In addition, never leave space heaters unattended, as they’re involved in most fatal home heating fires.
• If you must use a space heater, place it on a level, hard, and nonflammable surface, such as a ceramic tile floor. Don’t place it on rugs and carpets, or near bedding and drapes. And turn it off every time you leave the room or go to sleep.
• If you must use candles, keep them away from anything that could burn, and place them out of reach from pets and children. Never leave burning candles unattended.
• You can also help keep your family safe by testing your smoke alarms monthly and practicing your home fire escape plan until everyone can escape in two minutes or less.

Visit redcross.org/fire for more information, including an escape plan to practice with your family. You can also download their free Emergency app (search “American Red Cross” in app stores).

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