Nailing It Down

By Dave Murnen and Pat Beaty

Despite Thanksgiving falling just about as late as it can this year, the holiday season will be upon us fast and furious!

For most of the celebrations from Thanksgiving through New Year’s Day, the kitchen takes center stage. You should be able to enjoy your holidays while keeping you, your loved ones and your house safe. That’s why we want you to take just a minute to consider what steps you can take to do so.

Use caution by the stove

The very things we love about the holidays — lots of people, special foods, decorations, hubbub and maybe even some bubbly — can combine to make a house fire a possibility.

So, for starters, whenever you cook — be it Christmas cookies with the grandkids or your Thanksgiving turkey — always make sure you roll up your sleeves and tuck in loose clothing.

Also, always stay in the kitchen while you are frying, grilling or broiling food. If you leave the kitchen even for a short time, turn the stove off or get some help to monitor whatever is cooking.

If you are simmering, baking or roasting, check the food regularly, remain in the home while the food is cooking and use a timer to help remind you when food is still cooking!

Also, stay alert while cooking. That means being judicious about the alternative family activities, like games and TV, that may include some libations while you are also cooking the family feast.

A pot on the stove or hot cooking oil left unattended has resulted in many fires. The cupboards soon ignite and often lead to an all-out structure fire. If — heaven forbid — that happens to you, this is what you should do:

• If a pan catches fire, put a lid on it if you can do so safely, and then turn off the stove. (The lid robs the fire of the oxygen it needs.)

• Never attempt to move a burning pan of grease!

• Also, never attempt to put out a grease fire with water! The burning grease will explode out of the pan.

You should always have a fire extinguisher close to your kitchen. But in general, only fight small fires with it. If the fire is growing, get out of the house and call 911.

Take care with candles

It’s not just the preparation of the food that can be a concern. During the holidays especially, we all need to be especially aware of our candles, whether they’re on the dining table or on the mantle.

Over the years, local fire departments have seen many fires started by an unattended candle, a candle placed too close to a flammable item or a candle set on an unstable surface.

Here are some recommendations:

• If you do use lit candles, make sure they are in sturdy metal, glass or ceramic holders and placed where they cannot be easily knocked down — even by a curious child or pet.

• Keep candles at least 12 inches away from anything that can burn. Remember, too, that lightweight curtains move as people and pets walk by. Keeping them well away from burning candles is important.

• Keep burning candles out of reach of children and pets. The wax and flame are attractive nuisances for sure.

• Never use a candle where medical oxygen is being used.

• Never leave a room or go to bed with candles burning.

• Use the new battery-operated candles — they come in all sizes now — as much as possible to give the illusion of flickering flames without the risk. Some even have a remote control.

• In case of a power outage, whenever possible, use a flashlight or battery-operated lantern for emergency lighting instead of candles.

Decorating reminders

Many folks decorate for Christmas right after Thanksgiving. As you move furniture around to accommodate the tree, extra company or large parties, remember to maintain clear exit pathways to the doors and windows in each room.

In the event of a fire, time is of the essence. A blocked exit puts you, your family and friends at risk. All families should have at least two ways out of each room.

Along those lines, remember this time of year that as you shift furniture around to accommodate your tree and large parties, make sure all that wrapping paper, décor and the tree itself are never placed too close to a fireplace, stove, wall heater or other heating appliance.

Dave Murnen and Pat Beaty are construction specialists at NeighborWorks of Grays Harbor County, where Murnen is executive director. This is a nonprofit organization committed to creating safe and affordable housing for all residents of Grays Harbor County. For questions about home repair, renting, remodeling or buying, call 360-533-7828 or visit 710 E. Market St. in Aberdeen. Our office is fully ADA-compliant.