Your guide to a safe and cozy holiday home
As the holiday season unfolds, simple steps can make your home feel just right. From checking your natural gas appliances to tidying up your space, here’s how you can prepare for a safe, joyful and stress-free celebration with the ones you love.
Before the day gets busy
- Clean the area around your stove: Make sure that dish towels, food packaging, holiday decor and other flammable items stay out of the way.
- Check your gas burners: A blue flame indicates your stove is working properly. A flame that is yellow, wavy or higher than normal could mean there's an issue.
- Prep your natural gas fireplace: Ensure the glass barrier is secure, the area is clear and the logs are clean and free of excessive dust. Follow the instructions on the unit’s data plate or inside the manual to light your fireplace safely.
- Test your carbon monoxide alarms: A working alarm will produce a loud beeping sound. If the sound is weak, it may be time to replace the batteries.
- Beware of unusual smells and sounds: A rotten egg odor and hissing noise are common signs of a gas leak. If something doesn’t seem right, step outside immediately and call Spire's 24/7 emergency line or 911 for help.
While you’re cooking and gathering
- Stay close to the kitchen: Keep an eye on anything simmering, baking or boiling. Unattended cooking is one of the most common causes of kitchen fires.
- Use ventilation: Turn on your range hood or crack a window to help with airflow. Good ventilation keeps your kitchen more comfortable while you cook.
- Create a safe zone for little ones: Keep children and pets out of busy areas, including around the stove, fireplace and heating equipment to help prevent accidents.
- Keep the oven door closed when in use: Use the oven light instead of opening the door to check on dishes. Opening it repeatedly can let out heat and cause uneven cooking.
As you're winding down
- Give your kitchen a walk-through: Confirm that burners and oven knobs are off and nothing is left on the stove.
- Tidy up around registers and vents: Make sure bags, decorations and shifted furniture aren’t blocking airflow as everything settles for the night.
- Cool off your fireplace after using: Switch the unit off completely and allow it to cool before leaving the room or heading to bed.
- Reset your thermostat: If you adjusted it while cooking or hosting, return it to your usual nighttime setting to keep your home comfortable and efficient.