Have you ever stopped to think about what the sounds of an electric mixer, an electric skillet, or electric knife represent? They are all kitchen appliances, but they are also the “sounds” of electricity hard at work!
While you celebrate the holidays using electrical appliances, it’s important to make wise choices when it comes to kitchen safety. To help prevent a cooking fire this holiday, consider these common safety tips:
- Never overload a plug. If outlets or switches feel warm, you blow fuses or trip circuits frequently, or your lights flicker or dim, call a qualified electrician to check it out.
- Always use extension cords properly. Consider adding additional circuits or outlets so you don’t have to use extension cords.
- Keep an eye on what you are cooking. Avoid distractions such as TV and cell phones.
- Keep children away from the stove or oven when you are cooking.
- Place items that can catch on fire, such as potholders, oven mitts, hand towels and other flammable items, a safe distance from the cooking area or electrical outlets.
- Keep the cooking surfaces clean. Grease buildup can trigger fires.
- Follow the appliance manufacturer's instructions for plugging an appliance into an outlet.
- When unplugging an appliance, always pull from the plug and not the cord.
- Never wear loose or dangling sleeved clothes when cooking.
- Always use a timer when cooking food so you will have a reminder to check your dishes.
- If you use a turkey fryer, keep it outdoors in an open area away from all structures that could catch on fire. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully.
- Test your smoke detectors once a month to see if they're working.
- Have a fire extinguisher in the kitchen area. Be sure everyone in the household knows how to use it.
- Check to make sure all stoves, ovens, and appliances are turned off at bedtime.
For more cooking safety tips from the NFPA, check out this video: https://youtu.be/URy9Xw92OZk
The service professionals at Mr. Electric offer electrical home inspections as part of every service call at no additional cost to you. Don’t wait; contact Mr. Electric to ensure the safety of your home and family.