By far, most fires begin in the kitchen. Fire, heat, and oils used together in small spaces can make fires ignite quickly.
Stay in the kitchen when you fry, boil, grill or broil food.
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SOURCE: U.S. Fire Administration
The proximity of water and hot surfaces to the electric cords of countertop appliances also create danger in the kitchen. To keep your kitchen safer, abide by these rules:
- Never leave food to cook unattended. It is the number one cause of cooking-related fires.
- Respect your range. Ranges (especially electric) cause the most home-cooking fires.
- Fry carefully. Frying food is another cooking activity likely to result in a fire.
- Know what to do in case of fire. More than half of non-fatal injuries from home cooking fires happen when the injured party attempted to extinguish a kitchen fire themselves.
Stay safe by cooking smart.
Put smoke alarms at least 10 feet from a cooking appliance.
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SOURCE: U.S. Fire Administration
NEVER remove batteries from a smoke alarm!
If your smoke alarm sounds when you’re cooking or taking a steamy shower, resist the temptation to remove the battery. Instead:
- Press the “hush” button on the device and open a window or door to clear the room.
- Wave a towel or magazine in front of the alarm to get fresh air circulating.
- Temporarily move the smoke alarm farther away.
Removing a battery or otherwise disabling a smoke alarm can be a deadly mistake.
