With the comforting scent of cinnamon and the natural hum of the oven signaling that our kitchens are shifting into peak production for the holiday season, risks can rise like over-yeasted bread. The demands of the holidays create a distracting atmosphere where our kitchen safety can be compromised.
Let’s be proactive in elevating your kitchen awareness, ensuring the only thing spreading through our homes is cheer this holiday season.
Mastering Fire and Burn Prevention
Keep the heart of your home running smoothly by taking control of your kitchen safety.
- The Power of Presence: Never leave cooking unattended. When the oven is on or the stovetop is simmering, it’s important to remain in the kitchen. Use a timer not just for the recipe, but as a reminder to check on your overall kitchen progress.
- Create a Safety Zone: Loose clothing, paper packaging, kitchen towels, and oven mitts are highly flammable. Maintain a safe distance around all heat sources, including the stovetop and oven door. Remember to keep pets and small children out of the immediate kitchen workspace, especially when carrying hot items.
- Manage the Heat: Turn pot and pan handles inward to prevent them from being bumped or knocked over. When removing items from the oven, use thick, dry oven mitts and pull the rack out, rather than reaching into the oven.
- Know Your Emergency Steps: If a small grease fire starts in a pan, smother it immediately by sliding a lid over the pan and turning off the burner. Never use water on a grease fire. For an oven fire, turn off the heat and keep the door closed to contain the flames and starve the fire of oxygen.
Confidence and Comfort with Natural Gas Appliances
Use your natural gas appliances with complete confidence.
- Built-in Warning System: Natural gas is odorless, but Peoples Gas adds a distinct scent (like rotten eggs) as a warning signal. If you smell gas, immediately evacuate the area and call 911, then call Peoples Gas from a safe distance. Do not operate light switches or other appliances that could potentially create a spark.
- Essential Ventilation: When the gas oven or stovetop is on, run your range hood or exhaust fan. This critical step pulls out combustion byproducts like carbon monoxide.
- The Power of Blue: A healthy gas flame should be crisp and blue. A yellow or orange flame indicates improper combustion.
- CO Detector is Non-Negotiable: Install a working carbon monoxide detector near the kitchen and test it regularly. This device is an ultimate line of defense.
From all of us at Peoples Gas, we wish you and your loved ones a joyful, healthy, and safe holiday season!
Ready to get cooking? For recipes and more safety tips, visit PeoplesGasCooking.com.
