Kitchen Safety
Fire Prevention Tips
Did you know?
One-fifth of all home fires in the United States start in the kitchen?
The reason is due to the constant potential for fire there. For
instance, if you cook two meals a day, each day of the year, that's
actually 730 fires! Controlled we hope, but none-the-less, potential
fire hazards! Let's hope you make sure that the fire department
doesn't become surprise diner guests!
Never use water!
The most frequent kitchen fire involves oil or grease that ignites during
meal preparation. Care should be taken to prevent grease build-up
in the stove or range hood. Water should never be used on such
fires, as it will cause the burning liquid to splatter, spreading the
fire. Have a lid for every pan or skillet that is in use.
Put out fires by using lids to shut off oxygen to the fire. Trying
to carry a burning pan outdoors or to the sink often results in spilling
the liquid, which causes burn injuries and also permits fires to spread.
Remember, put a lid on it!
Do not wear loose clothing!
While cooking do not wear loose clothing, and be very careful not
to reach across a burner at any time. Garments with long draping
sleeves or light weight sheer materials can catch fire by simply brushing
against a hot burner.
Be careful removing any pans
from the stove!
Always use a hot pad. In households with small children, handles
of pots and pans should be turned in so a child cannot reach them and
receive a serious scald burn.
Keep the stove clear!
Whether cooking with gas or electric, never place anything on the stove
you don't want to heat. An electric coil reaches 800 degrees while
a gas flame goes over 1000 degrees. Remember dish towels & pot
holders ignite at 400 degrees.
Supervise!
Supervise the very young and elderly. Teach the children not to
play around the stove and never leave a stove that is unattended!
Also, keep a fully charged, approved fire extinguisher handy in the
kitchen, and know how to use it!
 Kitchen
Fire Safety Overview
- Never cook on high when using oils
- Do not wear loose clothing while cooking
- Keep all handles in while cooking
- No playing in the kitchen
- Keep stove top clear of all flammable items
- Always cover pan fire with lid; never use water
- Keep fire extinguisher close by while cooking
- Never carry a burning pan to sink or outside
- Put a lid on fires!
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