Cooking and baking is an important part of holiday season preparations for families and group activities.

Safe practices while cooking this holiday season:

• Keep anything flammable at a safe distance from sources of heat;
• Do not leave your stovetop or oven unattended when in use;
• Use a timer to help you keep track of your cooking or baking;
• Do not cook if you are impaired by alcohol or drugs;
• If you do choose to deep fat fry your food, only use a thermostat-controlled fryer to ensure the fat doesn’t get too hot;
• Always use a fire extinguisher on a grease fire; never use water.
• When choosing a fire extinguisher, look for the label of an independent testing laboratory such as ULC or UL;
• A multi-purpose extinguisher for class A-B-C- fires would be a great choice;
• If food catches fire in your oven, turn off the heat and ensure the door remains closed;
• Keep a lid nearby when cooking in case it is needed to smother very small grease fire. Cover the pan, turn off the stovetop, don’t move it and leave it alone until it cools; and
• If you have any doubt, get out, stay out and call 911.

Follow the department on Twitter @MAE_GovNL  for holiday safety tips.

The Department of Municipal Affairs and Environment wishes all residents a safe and happy holiday season.

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Media contact
Lynn Robinson
Municipal Affairs and Environment
709-729-5449, 691-9466
lynnrobinson@gov.nl.ca