Fire Safety Tips While Cooking

9/4/2018 (Permalink)

As you cook your meals this year, be sure to share these fire safety tips with your entire family.

Cooking is a special activity that many families like to do together. Unfortunately, cooking fires are the leading cause house fires and home fire injuries today. According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), 40 percent of all home fires begin in the kitchen and U.S. fire departments record that they respond to an average of approximately 166,100 cooking-related fires annually. There are about 455 daily fires in the United States and with cooking fires being the top source, it is important to be aware of how to prevent kitchen fires from starting in the first place.

Cooking equipment can be very dangerous if not used properly and carefully. Thanksgiving is actually the leading day for home fires involving some type of cooking equipment. That number is 4 times the average number of home fires! Since the average American household cooks at least one hot meal each day, it is absolutely essential to be doing so safely. These are some of the most critical fire safety tips to follow while cooking:

1. Never leave the kitchen while boiling, frying, broiling, or grilling food
2. Turn off the stove every single time the kitchen is left unattended
3. Do not use the stove or stovetop if you have consumed alcohol or are feeling sleepy
4. Keep items like wooden utensils, oven mitts, towels, and food packaging away from the stovetop
5. Regularly check on food items that are roasting, baking, or simmering
6. Always use a timer to remind yourself that you are cooking food
7. Be aware of your clothing like large-fitting shirts or loose sleeves
8. Keep a fire extinguisher near the kitchen
9. Never throw away hot grease in the garbage can
10. If a small fire starts on the stovetop, smother the flames with a lid to cover the pan and then turn off the burner
11. If an oven fire starts, turn off the heat and do not open the door
12. If you have any doubts about stopping the small fire, get out of the home immediately and call 9-1-1

As the fall holiday season begins, many families will be enjoying their time together in the kitchen. As you cook your meals this year, be sure to share these fire safety tips with your entire family. If your kitchen does suffer from fire damage, contact SERVPRO right away to handle the cleanup and restoration. Contact us today for more information!