As the holidays fast approach, there is nothing better than everyone gathering in the kitchen.  This is the time of year when children want to help with everything from baking cookies to opening the canned cranberries.  These are special moments with our children as they help us with the holiday meal.

However, during 2007, approximately 5,500 residential fires in Texas were caused by people who did not practice fire safety in the kitchen.  Many of those involved children.  Below are some helpful tips on preventing fires while children are cooking.  Kids can’t learn fire safety in the kitchen on their own.  They need help from adults in order to learn to use kitchen appliances safely and how to reduce the risk of burns from cooking.

An adult, such as Mom or Dad, should be present in the kitchen whenever a child is cooking.

• Always watch what’s cooking – Plan ahead so that someone is always watching what’s cooking.  If a pan catches fire, put a large lid or a cookie sheet on top of it to smother the fire.  DO NOT throw water in a pan if it is on fire.  Call the fire department immediately.
• Keep the kitchen neat and clean.  If the kitchen is messy, you are asking for a fire or other accident to happen.  DO NOT have dish clothes or paper towels on or near the stove, pot handles hanging over the edge of the stove, spilled foods in the bottom of the oven (clean these messes up), and spilled grease or food on the stove or work area.
• Microwave alert! Check to make sure that the items are microwave safe.  Many microwave cannot have metal in them.  There are several types of glass that are no microwave safe and will shatter when in a microwave.  If you are in doubt about an item and if it is microwave safe, do not put it in the microwave.
• Don’t get zapped by electrical appliances.  Teach your children how to use appliances properly before allowing them to use it by themselves.  Plug in appliances only when you are ready to use it.  Do not use appliances near a sink.  Unplug and clean the appliance once you finish using it.

What to do if someone gets burned?  If someone gets burned, hold the burned area under cool running water.  Cool the burn for 3 -5 minutes.

Enjoy your family cooking this holiday season.