HOW TO PREVENT KITCHEN FIRES

HOW TO PREVENT KITCHEN FIRES

 

Did you know that cooking is the leading cause of reported home fires and injuries?  Sadly, it is also the leading cause of home fire deaths. Cooking caused 49 percent of reported home fires, 20 percent of reported home fire deaths and 42 percent of home fire injuries. *

 

TIPS ON HOW TO PREVENT KITCHEN FIRES

 

  • If you are sleepy or have consumed alcohol, do NOT use the stove or stovetop. It is important to be alert.
  • Remain in the kitchen while you are frying, grilling, boiling or broiling food.
  • When you are simmering, baking, or roasting food, check it regularly, remain in the kitchen while food is cooking, and use a timer to remind you that you are cooking.
  • Keep anything that can catch fire — oven mitts, wooden utensils, food packaging, towels or curtains — away from your stovetop.

 

IF YOU HAVE A KITCHEN FIRE

 

  • You and your family should leave the home immediately. When you leave, close the door behind you to help contain the fire.
  • Call 911 or the local emergency number after you leave.
  • Keep a lid nearby when you’re cooking to smother small grease fires. Smother the fire by sliding the lid over the pan and turn off the stovetop. Leave the pan covered until it is completely cooled.
  • For an oven fire, turn off the heat and keep the door closed.

 

SAFETY CONSIDERATIONS FOR COOKING WITH OIL

 

  • Always stay in the kitchen when frying on the stovetop.
  • Keep an eye on what you fry. If you see wisps of smoke or the oil smells, immediately turn off the burner and/or carefully remove the pan from the burner. Smoke is a danger sign that the oil is too hot.
  • Heat the oil slowly to the temperature you need for frying or sautéing.
  • Add food gently to the pot or pan so the oil does not splatter.
  • Always cook with a lid beside your pan. If you have a fire, slide the lid over the pan and turn off the burner. Do not remove the cover because the fire could start again. Let the pan cool for a long time. Never throw water on the fire.
  • If the fire does not go out or you don’t feel comfortable sliding a lid over the pan, get everyone out of your home. Call 911 from outside.

 

KITCHEN FIRE FACTS

 

  • Two-thirds of home cooking fires start with the ignition of food or other cooking materials.
  • Clothing is the item first ignited in less than 1 percent of these fires, but clothing ignitions caused 8 percent of the home cooking fire deaths.
  • Ranges or cooktops account for three-fifths of home cooking fire incidents.
  • Unattended equipment is a factor in one-third of reported home cooking fires and over half of the associated deaths.
  • Frying dominates the cooking fire problem.

 

*Get additional information at www.nfpa.org

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