Cooking Can Be Dangerous
Eighty-two percent of all fire deaths occur in the home. Kitchen fires are the leading cause of home fires and fire injuries.
Of these fires, unattended cooking is number one on the list. Many residents are distracted by many situations, such as attending to children, answering phone calls, watching television and answering doorbells.
How to be Safe While Cooking
To reduce the risk of a kitchen fire, follow these simple safety tips:
Install a smoke alarm on every level of your home. Test smoke alarm batteries every month and change them at least once a year. Consider installing a 10-year lithium battery-powered smoke alarm, which is sealed so it cannot be tampered with or opened.
Stay in the kitchen while food is cooking. A serious fire can start in just seconds.
Wear short, close or tight-fitting sleeves. (Long, loose sleeves are more likely to catch on fire or caught on pot handles.)
Keep pot handles turn inward pointing towards the back of the stove. This will prevent burns caused by overturning or spills.
Maintain a clean stovetop and oven (built-up grease catches fire easily).
Keep flammable objects away from the stove, flames and heating elements (towels, papers, potholders, curtains or anything that could burn).
Don’t store things on or above your stove.
Do not attempt to cook while medicated, drowsy, or intoxicated.
Always have a pot lid handy to smother a pan fire. Do not attempt to pick up the pot or pan. Shut off the heat and cover the fire with a lid. Never throw water on a grease fire.
Heat oil gradually to avoid burns from spattering grease and to prevent food from cooking too fast and burning, and oil from boiling over causing a grease fire.
Never use the range or oven to heat your home.
Double-check the kitchen before you go to bed or leave the house. Make sure all small appliances are turned off.
For more information about fire safety, contact the Community Relations Division at 313.596.2959.