Kitchen Fires Are Consistently On The Rise During The Holiday Season

As the holiday season neared, we talked about kitchen fires being the number one cause of home fires and home injuries in the U.S. With the holiday season in full swing, that statistic becomes increasingly alarming, as large meals and even longer cooking hours continue through the new year.

Each year, kitchen fires caused over one billion dollars in direct property damage in the U.S. alone. And for good reason: Last year fire departments responded to an average of 471 kitchen fire each day.

At The Morgan Law Group P.A., our Florida fire insurance claims attorneys help our residents hold the insurance companies responsible for the financial recovery they deserve after a kitchen fire damages their home, condominium, or business.

Kitchen fires can damage more than your stove and cabinets. They can easily spread to the rest of your house and cause significant structural damage throughout the home.Our Florida insurance claims attorneys have a few tips on minimizing the dangers of kitchen fires this holiday season.

Here’s how.

Ten Kitchen Fire Safety Tips For The Holiday Season (And Year Around)

Kitchen fires are terrifying and can spread quickly — especially if no one is there to immediately put it out.

And during the holidays, the cook is often the entertainer, which means his or her attention is everywhere in the house at once as guests arrive and need attention.

To minimize the danger of a kitchen fire while entertaining, the U.S. Fire Administration suggests:

• Never leave the stove unattended during use; if you must step away, turn the burners off
• Avoid using high heat when cooking, especially when cooking with grease
• Turn pot handles toward the back of the stove, so they cannot be bumped or overturned
• Keep a large pan lid or baking sheet nearby, to cover any potential fire immediately
• Keep dish towels, potholders, and paper towels away from the stove at all times
• Roll up long sleeves and tie back long hair to avoid dangling fire hazards
• Do not throw water on a grease fire; it will only make it worse
• Close the oven door if a fire occurs inside; the fire will go out on its own
• Unplug any appliance, including a toaster oven, microwave, or crockpot, if it sparks even once and discontinue use
• Always have a fire extinguisher nearby

Keeping appliances serviced, clean, and in good repair will also minimize fire danger, so before you start cooking a large holiday meal, take a look around your kitchen. Tidy up and remove any potentially flammable items into temporary cabinet storage until the party is over.

What If I Have Already Experienced A Kitchen Fire In Florida?

If any part of your home has been damaged by fire, and the insurance company is delaying, devaluing, or even denying your claim, contact our Morgan Law Group Florida insurance claims attorneys today by calling (305) 569-9900 to schedule a free consultation. Our experienced fire insurance claims lawyers work on a contingency basis, which means if we do not win your case, you do not pay our fees. Call us now to learn more about the insurance claims process, and how we can help you pursue a successful financial outcome.