Cooking and baking bring families, friends and neighbours together and are an important part of the holiday season. It is important to follow safe practices in the kitchen. Cooking is a leading cause of home fires year-round and particularly so during the holidays.

Cooking tips:

• Do not leave your stovetop or oven unattended when in use;
• Do not cook if you are impaired by alcohol or drugs;
• If cooking food that is submerged in oil, use a pan or fryer with a thermostat control;
• Keep anything flammable, such as oven mitts, at a safe distance from sources of heat.

In case of fire:

• Always use a fire extinguisher on a grease fire; never use water;
• If food catches fire in your oven, turn off the heat and ensure the door remains closed;
• Keep a lid nearby when cooking in case it needed to smother very small grease fires. Cover the pan, turn off the stovetop, and leave it alone until it cools;
• The main priority is to get out of the home when there is a fire. Evacuate the building and then call 911.

Follow the department on Twitter @MAE_GovNL for more holiday safety tips during the holiday season.

The Department of Municipal Affairs and Environment wishes all residents a safe and happy holiday season. Thank you to all firefighters, fire departments, and the Newfoundland and Labrador Association of Fire Services for your dedication throughout the year.

– 30 –

Media contact
Lynn Robinson
Municipal Affairs and Environment
709-729-5449, 691-9466
lynnrobinson@gov.nl.ca