Kitchen Fire Safety Tips

Kitchen fires are a leading cause of injury and death. Most kitchen fires are preventable if these fire safety tips are followed. Most of people unfortunately ignore the dangers of fire in kitchen and it is not until it is too late that they take action on it.

1. Stay in the kitchen when cooking
Never leave cooking unattended. Oil or fat can ignite
Always turn oven and burners off when you are finished cooking
Always unplug electrical appliances when not in use
Keep children a safe distance from cooking area

2. Stay Alert
Cooking requires you to be rested and alert

Avoid cooking when under the influence of alcohol or medications

3. Wear short or close-fitting sleeves
Avoid loose sleeves that may contact burners and catch fire
Avoid storing items on or above your stove

4. Turn pot handles in
Prevent burns and stove-top fires by turning pot handles toward the back of the stove when cooking
Whenever possible use rear burners. Pot handles that stick out can be easily bumped or grabbed by a small child

5. Clean cooking surfaces
Keep appliance surfaces free of spills and grease that may catch fire

6. Keep combustible items clear of stove
Keep curtains, dish towels, plastic containers and pot holders away from hot surfaces

7. Operate Microwaves safely
Always use pot holders or oven mitts to remove food from microwaves
Remove lids carefully to avoid steam burns

8. Don't overload electrical outlets
Avoid overloading electrical outlets with too many kitchen appliances
Carefully examine electrical cords and discard any that are frayed, cracked or damaged

9. Working smoke alarms save lives
Purchase and install working smoke alarms. Specialized alarms are available for the kitchen
Test smoke alarms monthly and for battery operated smoke alarms replace batteries at least once a year

What to do if you have a kitchen fire?

1. Put a lid on it
To extinguish a grease fire, use a potholder or oven mitts and slide a lid or a cookie sheet over the flames then turn the heat source off
If the flames do not go out, immediately leave your home and call the fire department

2. Oven/ Microwave fires
If a fire starts in your oven, close the oven door and turn off the heat source
For a microwave fire, keep the door closed and turn off the microwave
Remember, if the fire does not go out, leave your home and call the fire department immediately

3. Use portable fire extinguishers
Portable fire extinguishers can be effective in fighting small contained fires
Use the appropriate extinguisher and ensure that you are trained in its use.

If you take the necessary steps to prevent fires starting in the first place it reduces the risk and dangers significantly. It is just a matter of taking action and putting a little time aside to consider the worst thing that can happen and to take precautions accordingly. Doing this will not just protect your property and valuables it will also save the lives of you and your family.