Tips on How to Prevent Kitchen Fires

7/24/2017 (Permalink)

Cooking equipment was involved in an annual average of 19% home fire deaths, 44% reported home fire injuries, and $1.1 billion in property damage.

Kitchen fires are the most common cause of household fires. From grease spills to stray dishtowels, a simple overlook can set your house ablaze. Follow these tips to reduce your risks of a kitchen fire:

1. Stay in the kitchen when cooking. Unattended cooking is the number one cause of cooking fires. If you must leave the stove unattended, turn off the heat and move the pan to a cool burner.
2. Use a timer to remind yourself to check on your dish. Check your food regularly, whether you're simmering, baking, boiling or roasting.
3. Keep the stove top clear. Keep dishtowels, oven mitts, paper towels -anything that can catch fire- away from your stove top.
4. Dress for the occasion. Wear close-fitting clothes and tightly roll up sleeves when you're cooking. Loose clothing can come in contact with burners and catch fire.
5. Wipe up spills. Cooking on a dirty stove or in a dirty oven and grease buildup can all start a fire.
6. Don't overheat your oils. Overheated oil can start to smoke and bubble up, which can cause it to spill out and ignite.
7. Wait for grease to cool before disposing! Tossing hot grease into your trashcan can send it up in flames. Wait for it to cool, or pour it into an old food can before tossing it out.
8. Keep your smoke detector working. Ensure all are working and change the batteries twice a year (when you change your clocks for daylight savings time is a good reminder).

NOTE:

If a fire does erupt on your stove top, DO NOT try to smother it by sliding a lid over the pan. INSTEAD, turn off the burner and leave the pan uncovered until it has cooled. For an oven fire, turn off the heat and leave the door closed.

Should your home be damaged from a fire, our 24/7 Emergency Service can be reached at (330) 650-4486, or request help online.