Preventing Cooking Fires

9/10/2018 (Permalink)

Kitchen fires can be devastating. Prevent cooking fires by following some simple safety tips. Image via Shutterstock.com (copyright free)

Cooking Fire Preparedness

Cooking fires are the number one cause of home fires and home fire injuries. Home fires are more likely to start in the kitchen than any other room in your house. Here are some facts and tips from mass.gov to help prevent kitchen fires.

Cooking fires are the #1 cause of home fires and home fire injuries according to MFIRS statistics.

Cooking Safety Tips                      

• Put a lid on a grease fire to smother it, then turn off the heat. Baking soda will also work.
• Never move a burning pan. You can be badly burned or spread the fire.
• Never throw water or use a fire extinguisher on a grease fire. Water will only spread the fire and the force of the extinguisher can splash flaming grease out of the pan.
• Stand by your pan. Don’t leave food, grease or oils cooking on the stovetop unattended.
• Wear short or tight fitting sleeves when cooking. Loose fitting clothing can easily catch fire.
• If your clothing catches fire, STOP, DROP & ROLL to put out the flames. Put burns in cool running water. Call 9-1-1 for help.
• Keep pot handles turned inward to prevent accidental spills of hot contents. • Create a three-foot “child-free zone” around the stove. Keep children and pets away from the stove while cooking to prevent burns and scalds. Cooking Safety Tips (cont.)
• Keep combustible objects such as pot holders, towels, paper or plastic bags away from heating elements.
• For fires inside an oven or microwave, keep the door closed, turn off the appliance, and call the fire department.
• Don’t place any metal inside a microwave. Utensils, aluminum foil or twist-tie wraps can arc and cause a fire.
• Microwaved foods and liquids can become very hot. Use caution to avoid scalds.
• Unplug appliances, such as toasters and coffee makers, when not in use.
• Don’t use the oven to store items.

Following these tips will help you to prevent kitchen fires. However, should your home experience an unexpected disaster, contact us at SERVPRO of Danvers/Ipswich at 978-356-7077. We’re here to help restore your property, like it never even happened.