Cooking Safety
January 26, 2018
Cooking brings family and friends together, provides an outlet for creativity and can be relaxing. But did you know that cooking fires are the number one cause of home fires and home injuries? Ranges or cooktops cause 62% of home fires according to the National Fire Protection Association.
Learn how to stay safe with these tips…
- Keep anything that can catch fire away from your stovetop.
- Always unplug counter top appliances when not in use.
- Make sure you have, and test, GFCI receptacles in your kitchen to prevent shock and electrocution.
- Double check that everything is off when you finish cooking.
- Prevent fires by keeping your oven and stovetop clean of grease and dust.
- Never leave the kitchen while cooking.
- If you are simmering, baking, roasting, or boiling food, check it regularly, remain in the home while food is cooking, and use a timer to remind you that you are cooking.
- Never cook while sleepy, drinking alcohol, or taking medication that makes you drowsy.
- Never disable a smoke alarm while cooking.
- Never use a cooking stove to heat your home.
Safety Tip: Have a “kid-free zone” of at least three feet around the stove and areas where hot food or drink is prepared or carried.
If you have a cooking fire…
- Just get out! When you leave, close the door behind you to help contain the fire.
- Call 9-1-1 or the local emergency number after you leave.
- If you try to fight the fire, be sure others are getting out and you have a clear way out.
- 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.