Reprinted from Marilyn Balcombe’s Newsletter 

Staying Safe During the Winter Holidays 

Did you know that the winter holiday season accounts for the highest number of cooking fires? During the winter holidays it is incredibly important to be alert and keep ourselves and our loved ones safe from fire-related incidents. One way to do this is to ensure that your smoke alarms are operational – that is exactly why I spent last Saturday on the ground in Germantown with Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Services and the Red Cross, checking and installing smoke detectors for our residents.  

IF YOU ARE READING THIS, PLEASE DO A QUICK TEST OF THE SMOKE DETECTORS IN YOUR HOME: Every smoke alarm comes with a test button, and you should test your alarms at least once a month. Simply push and hold the test button; when you hear a loud beeping sound, you’ll know your alarm is active and operational. If you find that your smoke detector is not working, visit the MCFRS website or the Red Cross website for resources and assistance.  

Fire Chief Corey Smedley recently posted an incredibly informative blog post about ways to prevent fires during the holidays. Below are some helpful tips about cooking safety. You can read the blog post in full on the MCFRS website. 

  • Be alert! Stay in the kitchen when using the stovetop and use a timer. If you must leave the kitchen, even for a minute, turn off the stove.  
  • Keep anything that can catch fire at least 3 feet from the stove, toaster oven, or other heat source. This includes potholders, food packaging, dish towels, paper/plastic bags, etc. 
  • Do not pour water on a grease fire. Pouring water on a grease fire can cause the fire to spread. In the event of a range-top fire, turn off the burner, put on an oven mitt, and smother the flames by carefully sliding a lid or cookie sheet onto the pan. Leave the lid in place until the pot or pan has cooled. 
  • Clean cooking surfaces regularly to prevent grease buildup which can ignite. 
  • Always wear short, tight-fitting sleeves when cooking to prevent clothing from coming in contact with a burner and catching fire. 
  • Do not hold children while cooking or carrying hot foods or drinks. Keep children at a safe distance from hot surfaces, liquids, and other kitchen hazards. 
  • Plug microwaves and other kitchen appliances directly into an outlet. Never use an extension cord for a cooking appliance as it can overload the circuit and cause a fire. 
  • Double-check the kitchen before you go to bed or leave the house. Make sure all other appliances are turned off and that any candles or smoking materials are safely extinguished. 
  • Smoke alarms save lives. Install a smoke alarm on every level of your home, test alarms monthly, and change batteries annually or as recommended by the manufacturer if your alarm features long-life batteries.