There’s a good chance that the Sunday February 12th square-off between the Philadelphia Eagles and the Kansas City Chiefs will be the most watched Super Bowl of all time. Millions of people viewing the match up means lots of cooking and food preparation in the kitchen. Be sure to put fire safety in your line up.
Fire Marshal Paul Payne. Credit: Michael Dinan
Kitchen Huddle
Prepare your cooking area. Use back burners or turn pot handles toward the back of the stove. Keep a timer handy and use it when you’re roasting or baking. Keep anything that can catch fire–oven mitts, wooden utensils, food packaging, towels or curtains away from the stovetop. Have a kid-free zone of at least three feet around the stove and areas where hot food or drink is prepared or carried. Never hold a child while you are cooking.
Penalty Flag
The leading cause of fires in the kitchen is unattended cooking. Frying poses the greatest risk of fire. Keep an eye on what you fry. Start with a small amount of oil and heat it slowly. If you see smoke, or if the grease starts to boil in your pan, turn the burner off. Even a small amount of oil on a hot burner can start a fire. Stay in the kitchen if you are frying, boiling, broiling, or grilling food. If you are simmering, baking, or roasting food, check it regularly. Use a timer to remind you that you are cooking. Smart phones come with a timer and can be carried with you.
Defense
Stay awake. Be on alert while cooking. If you are sleepy or have consumed alcohol, don’t use the stove or stovetop. Stand by your pan, if you leave the kitchen, turn the burner off. Keep a large pan lid or baking sheet nearby in case you need to smother a pan fire. For an oven fire, turn off the heat and keep the door closed.
Touchdown!
Keep safety in mind when serving on game day, too. If you burn candles, consider using flameless candles that are lit by battery power. Food warmers and slow cookers get hot. Place them toward the back of the serving table so they won’t get knocked off. Provide hot pads to prevent burns. Light the chafing dish fuel can after it is placed under the warmer. Make sure nothing comes in contact with the flame. If young children are in your home, supervise them and keep matches and lighters locked away.
Always Keep a First Aid Kit Handy.
Enjoy the Game and please stay safe.