Crime & Safety

FCFRD News Blog : Watch What You Heat On Christmas Eve And Day!

Cooking related fires are one of the leading cause of fires locally and nationally. It will probably come as no surprise to most Fairfax ...

Press Release Desk, News Partner

Press release from the FCFRD News Blog:

December 24, 2021

Cooking related fires are one of the leading cause of fires locally and nationally. It will probably come as no surprise to most Fairfax County residents that Thanksgiving is the peak day for home cooking fires.

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What many of you may not know is the next peak day for home cooking fires is Christmas Day. Christmas Eve comes in at number five. Fairfax County Fire and Rescue would like to remind all residents about cooking safely. Please remember to “Watch What You Heat” this holiday season!

Kitchen Safety Tips

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  • Have a “kid-free zone” of at least three feet around the stove and areas where hot food or drink is prepared or carried.
  • Wear short or tight fitting sleeves when cooking. Long loose sleeves are more likely to catch on fire or get caught on pot handles.
  • Be on alert! If you are sleepy or have consumed alcohol, don’t use the stove or stovetop.
  • Keep things that can catch fire such as dish towels, curtains, or paper, at least three feet away from the stove.
  • Do not leave cooking food unattended. If you leave the kitchen, even for a short time, turn off the stove.
  • Turn pot handles inward, facing the wall to prevent burns caused by overturning or spills.
  • Pot holders or oven mitts prevent burns when handling hot dishes.
  • Regularly clean your cooking equipment so that there are no cooking materials, food items or grease accumulation.
  • Always keep an oven mitt and lid nearby when you are cooking. If a small grease fire starts in a pan, put on an oven mitt and smother the flames by carefully sliding the lid over the pan. Turn off the burner. Do not remove the lid until it is completely cool.
  • If there is an oven fire, turn off the heat and keep the door closed to prevent flames from burning you and your clothing. Have the oven serviced before you use it again.

    • This press release was produced by the FCFRD News Blog. The views expressed here are the author’s own.

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