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ESFI Urges Families to Practice Safety in the Kitchen This Holiday Season

Department:  Holiday
Type:  Press Release
November 14, 2011, Arlington, VA—From festive cookies to the traditional main course, many cherished memories are created in the kitchen during the holiday season. The Electrical Safety Foundation International (ESFI) is urging families across the country to keep safety in mind as they prepare their holiday favorites.
 
With two out of every five home fires originating in the kitchen, practicing cooking-related safety is vital to ensuring that holiday celebrations do not end in tragedy. Home fires involving cooking peak on major holidays with a tradition of cooking, such as Thanksgiving, Christmas and Christmas Eve.   
 
Earlier this month, ESFI launched its annual holiday safety awareness campaign to encourage families and communities across the country to Make Safety a Tradition of the holiday season. ESFI, in partnership with The Home Depot, is educating consumers about the safety concerns associated with the winter holiday season.
 
“Cooking equipment is the leading cause of reported home fires and injuries,” said ESFI President Brett Brenner. “Entertaining during the holiday season can lead to many distractions, so it is important to remain vigilant about cooking safety in order to keep your family and home safe.”
 
Use these simple safety tips from ESFI to identify and correct potential hazards in the kitchen:
 
  • Never leave cooking equipment unattended. Turn off burners if you have to leave the room.
  • Supervise children closely in the kitchen. Keep children at least three feet from cooking appliances.
  • Prevent fires by making sure your stovetop and oven are clean and free of grease and dust. 
  • Clean the exhaust hood and duct over the stove regularly.
  • Keep the cooking area around the stove/oven clear of combustibles, such as towels, napkins, and pot holders.
  • Wear short or close-fitting sleeves. Loose clothing can catch fire.
  • To protect from spills and burns, use the back burners and turn the pot handles in, away from reaching hands.
  • Locate all appliances away from the sink.
  • Plug countertop appliances into ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI)-protected outlets.
  • Keep appliance cords away from hot surfaces like the range or toaster.
  • Unplug the toaster and other countertop appliances when not in use.
  • Be sure to turn off all appliances when cooking is completed.
 

Visit ESFI’s holiday safety website, www.holidaysafety.org, throughout the holiday season for all of the safety tips and tools you need to Make Safety a Tradition for your family. 

 

The Electrical Safety Foundation International (ESFI) is dedicated exclusively to promoting electrical safety. ESFI proudly sponsors National Electrical Safety Month each May, and engages in public education campaigns throughout the year to prevent electrical fires, injuries, and fatalities in the home and the workplace. For more information about ESFI and National Electrical Safety Month, visit www.electrical-safety.org.

 

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