Top five expert tips to keep your kitchen fire safe this Christmas

1. Avoid cooking while wearing a baggy Christmas jumpers

Whilst food is a big deal at Christmas, with kitchens full of yummy food and delicious home-cooking scents, keep in mind that around 60% of fires start in the kitchen.* Avoid wearing loose clothing when cooking, especially around an open-flame stove cooker and never leave your cooking unattended.

2. Prep your kitchen for fire safety

It is good practice to test your fire alarms regularly and ensure you have one in your kitchen. Avoid decorating your kitchen, especially with more flammable materials and keep your kitchen ventilated by making sure extractor fans are working and windows can open.

3. Save the mulled wine until after the cooking!

The holidays are usually filled with festive drinks like mulled wine and champagne, but it’s best to limit alcohol when working with hot appliances. Resist alcohol consumption until after you have cooked your Christmas dinner, to reduce safety risks when intoxicated. If you choose to drink, be aware of your surroundings, keep flammable items away from the stove and always use oven mitts. 

4. Keep your kitchen clutter-free

Christmas is a busy time of year but keeping your kitchen clutter-free is a good way to prevent fire hazards. Keep escape routes clear in case of an emergency, and keep pets out of the kitchen when cooking to avoid trip hazards.

5. Double check!

When you have finished cooking and are ready for that bite of turkey and sip of mulled wine, be sure you have double-checked that all appliances are turned off. If you’re worried you’ll forget, set a timer on the appliance or on your phone to remind you.