Hello weekend!!! Thank goodness it’s here again. This week it couldn’t have come fast enough. In this week’s installment of Live Right At Night we will be talking about Eating Right at Night. Specifically, I want to know how many of you have ever come home after the club a little tipsy, or perhaps gotten tipsy at the house and decided around 2 am “dang, I’m hungry, let me cook something.” And then, as soon as you fire up the stove or turn on the oven you fall asleep. Does this sound like a familiar story?
It’s ok, you can admit it, you’re amongst friends here and across the pond. Did you know that in London alcohol consumption has been blamed for 25% of household fires. The London Fire Brigade reports that over the past 3 years almost 4,500 house fires have been caused by people between the ages of 18-24 who earn more than $100,000 a year. That’s right young professional Brits cook while drunk too. Here in the US 40% of house fires and 36% percent of fire-related injuries are caused by cooking fires.
To save you the drama (and health risks) here are a couple tips to keep your buzz going and your home safe this weekend:
1) Don’t cook while you’re drunk! End of story. If you must eat, order take-out.
2) If you are starving and don’t want take out – use the microwave – sans metal utensils!
3) Get a fire extinguisher for your kitchen – this should be a must in every home or apartment.
4) Make sure you have smoke detectors in every room with FRESH batteries.
On top of all these tips, everyone in your home should know what to do when the smoke alarm goes off so it’s important to have an escape plan just in case you have a fire in your home. Smoke detectors should be checked weekly, and batteries changed every 6 months. Also make sure you have a carbon monoxide detector within 10 feet of all bedrooms. If you do have a house fire remember to touch the door with the back of your hand before opening it. Always stay low to the floor if you need to crawl through smoke, as there is more air closer to the floor. Have a designated meeting place once you get out of the house and make sure to call 911.
So ladies and gents let’s add to the well-known mantra about not drinking and driving a “don’t drink and cook”. Satisfy your late-night cravings in safer ways with take-out or just use the microwave.
Wishing you a fabulous weekend.
Smooches,
Dr. V