Don't let fire cook your holiday season

Decorative lights and festive lawn displays may be a sign that the holiday season has begun, but another sure sign wafts its way through many home kitchens: the scent of a mouth-watering holiday meal.

Whether one is preparing a special dip or mystery dish for an upcoming Halloween party, it is important to practice safe cooking habits before - and during - festivities, says John Drengenberg, consumer affairs manager for Underwriters Laboratories (UL).

Cooking fires are the number one cause of home fires and home fire injuries, according to the National Fire Protection Association.

"The sad truth is that in nearly three out of four reported home fires, especially those originating in the kitchen, the person responsible for the fire was not in the area when it started," Drengenberg said. "When cooking, it is important to never leave the stove unattended."

To practice kitchen safety during the holidays and year-round, follow these tips from UL:

• Carry an oven mitt with you if you leave the kitchen as a reminder that something is cooking on the stove.



• Turn pot handles toward the back of the stove, but away from flames or burners.



• Tie back long hair and wear short, close-fitting or tightly-rolled sleeves while cooking. Flowing hair and loose clothing can dangle over fire and ignite.



• Keep a multi-purpose fire extinguisher handy in the event of a grease fire. Baking soda is effective for extinguishing small food fires, not grease fires.



• In the event of a small range-top fire, stay calm.



1. Put on an oven mitt.



2. Smother the flames by carefully sliding a lid onto the pan.



3. Leave the lid in place until the pot or pan has completely cooled.
   
   Caution: Never use water or flour to extinguish a grease fire and never carry the pan outside, as you might spread flames throughout the house.



• If you cannot immediately put out the fire yourself, leave your home, call 9-1-1 and wait in a safe area for fire authorities to arrive.

Gel Fuel Cans

When you're throwing a holiday party for family and friends, one question that comes to mind is: How will we keep the hot food hot? Today, many consumers answer this age-old question by placing lit gel fuel cans, often recognized by the brand name Sterno®, under fondue pots or chafing dishes. These cans help keep food temperatures above 140 degrees Fahrenheit, which is safely out of the FDA-classified Danger Zone.

When using gel fuel cans during a party, always:

• Use a blunt object, such as a spoon, to pry off the lid.



• Place cans under the chafing dish or beverage holder before lighting.



• Use a long-handled match or butane light to ignite gel.



• Remove excess gel from lid if it is being used as a regulator.



• Wash fuel residue from hands.



• Use a snuffer, regulator or glass saucer to extinguish flame.



• Wait until the can has completely cooled before touching.

Source: Sterno® Brand (www.sterno.com).

Slow Cookers

Chili, soup and stew are common meals designed perfectly for preparing in a slow cooker. Consumers can toss ingredients into the unit and return eight hours later to find tender meats and vegetables to enjoy at the dinner table.

Because slow cookers can be left unattended, UL reminds consumers to remember these tips the next time they prepare a delicious slow-cooked meal:

• Plug the cord directly into a wall socket. Avoid letting the cord hang over the edge of the counter or touch hot surfaces, such as the stove, as children or pets may accidentally trip and tip over the unit.



• Do not place the cooker directly on glass or countertops. The unit may become hot and damage some surfaces. Instead, use padding to protect surfaces when the slow cooker becomes hot.



• Always inspect the inside of the crock before adding foods. Do not use a cooker that has chips, cracks or severe scratches. Avoid using abrasive cleaners or metal scouring pads, as they may scratch the surface of the slow cooker.



• Use manufacturer-recommended accessory attachments to help reduce injury risk.



• Always unplug the slow cooker before washing. Never immerse the base in water, as this may cause electric shock.

Source: Crock-Pot® Brand (www.crock-pot.com).

Turkey Fryers

UL recommends that if consumers use turkey fryers to cook their birds, they consider the following suggestions to minimize potential risk:

• Make sure you use turkey fryers outdoors at least 10 feet from homes, garages and porches.



• Never use turkey fryers on wooden decks or in garages.



• Set the fryers on a flat surface to reduce accidental tipping.



• Never leave the fryer unattended. Most units do not have thermostat controls. If you don't watch the fryer carefully, the oil will continue to heat until it catches fire.



• Never let children or pets near the fryer, even after cooking is done. The oil inside the cooking pot can remain dangerously hot for hours after use.



• Do not overfill the fryer. This will prevent the oil from spilling over.



• Use well-insulated potholders or oven mitts when touching pot or lid handles. When possible, wear safety goggles to protect your eyes from potential oil splatter.



• Make sure the turkey is completely thawed and be careful with marinades. Oil and water don't mix. Water causes hot oil to spill over, potentially causing a fire.



• Keep an all-purpose fire extinguisher nearby. Never use water to extinguish a grease fire. Remember to use your best judgment when attempting to fight a fire. If the fire is manageable, use an all-purpose fire extinguisher. If the fire increases, immediately call 9-1-1 for help.