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