The kitchen is the heart of the home. Sadly, it's also where two out of every five home fires start. Many home fires occur during what's supposed to be the happiest time of the year-the holidays. Thanksgiving, Christmas and Christmas Eve hold a tradition of cooking, and safety should always be considered in the kitchen.

As we embark on the holiday season, Santee Electric Cooperative and the Electrical Safety Foundation International (ESFI) urge you to use a few simple safety tips to identify and correct potential cooking hazards, indoors and outdoors.

Indoors

▪          Never leave cooking equipment unattended, and always remember to turn off burners if you have to leave the room.

▪         Supervise the little ones closely in the kitchen. Make sure children stay at least three feet away from all cooking appliances.

▪         Prevent potential fires by making sure your stovetop and oven are clean and free of grease, dust and spilled food.  

▪         Remember to clean the exhaust hood and duct over your stove on a regular basis.

▪         Keep the cooking area around the stove and oven clear of combustibles, such as towels, napkins and potholders.

▪         Always wear short or close-fitting sleeves when cooking. Loose clothing can catch fire.

▪         To protect from spills and burns, use the back burners and turn the pot handles in, away from reaching hands.

▪         Locate all appliances away from the sink.

▪         Plug countertop appliances into ground fault circuit interrupter-protected outlets.

▪         Keep appliance cords away from hot surfaces like the range or toaster.

▪         Unplug the toaster and other countertop appliances when not in use.

▪         Be sure to turn off all appliances when cooking is completed.

Outdoors

We'd like to add a few tips for members who enjoy deep-fried turkey: 

• Thaw the bird completely.
• Cook outdoors, of course, and away from anything flammable-and that includes wooden decks.
• Don't cook under or near your service line or any co-op facilities such as poles, lines, underground transformers, etc.
• Don't leave the fryer unattended while the turkey is frying.

Let's stay focused on safety throughout the holiday season-and every day. Happy Thanksgiving and Merry Christmas from Santee Electric Cooperative!

Floyd L. Keels
President and Chief Executive Officer