Did you know Ohio is No. 4 in the U.S. for grease and cooking-related fires on Thanksgiving Day?

Or that cooking fires are the No. 1 cause of residential fires each year? Or that turkey fryers destroy 900 homes per year and that 905 people die in winter home fires each year?

These statistics can be staggering, and there are plenty more where that came from. What’s even more astonishing is how preventable most of these holiday cooking-related fires are.

During the holidays, being smart and alert will greatly improve your chances of a happy, fun holiday without battling a potentially disastrous fire. Take a look at our tips for holiday cooking fire prevention and follow them to greatly enhance safety in your home this season.

—     Don’t leave cooking unattended. When you leave the kitchen, make sure you turn everything off and when cooking, try to use back-burners whenever possible. Also, be sure clothing, hair, potholders, towels, etc. are kept away from flames.

—     Have a working fire alarm near the kitchen. And always have fire extinguishers nearby.

—     Stay alert. If you are tired or under the influence of medication that can make you drowsy or have been drinking alcohol, avoid cooking.

—     Use extreme caution if using a deep fryer. Follow manufacturer instructions to the letter. Deep fryers are very dangerous because of the hot oil used and because stands can collapse or tip over. For a great article on how to safely use deep fryers, take a look at these safety tips from the National Fire Prevention Association.

—     Make sure appliances are clean and in good working order. Also, make sure ranges and ovens are clean before cooking.

—     Unplug appliances when not in use. This lowers the risk of fires associated with overheating and faulty wiring.

—     Use extreme caution when lighting a pilot light or burner on a gas stove. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions.

These are some great tips to help you lower your chances of a cooking fire this holiday season. By being aware and alert, you are taking huge steps in preventing a potentially disastrous fire.

And, of course, if the unfortunate happens, know that Swartz Contracting and Emergency Services will help your business repair the damages immediately. We’re available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year. Call us today at 419-331-1024.

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