Annually, more than 150,000 house fires start in the kitchen, making it one of the most dangerous rooms in your home. To be safe, you have to watch your food. The leading cause of fires in the kitchen is unattended cooking. So, if you’re cooking, stay in the kitchen and if you leave the kitchen for even a short period of time, turn off the stove.
Some other important tips that will help keep you and your family safe:
- Understand that most items are flammable, so keep anything that can catch fire, away from the stove and oven unit. Remember, potholders, oven mitts, wooden utensils, paper or plastic bags, food packaging, towels, or curtains are all a fire hazard when left close to a flame or electric coil.
- It’s best to wear clothes with short or rolled-up sleeves when cooking. Loose clothing and long hair can dangle and catch fire if it comes into contact with a gas flame or electric burner.
- If your clothes catch fire, stop, drop and roll. Stop immediately, drop to the ground and cover your face with your hands. Roll over and over or back and forth to put out the fire. Immediately cool the burn with cool water for three to five minutes and cover with a clean, dry cloth. Don't apply creams, ointments, sprays or other home remedies.
- If you have a fire extinguisher in your kitchen, make sure you know how to use it. However, only use a fire extinguisher if the fire is considered small. Also, have the pan lid cover handy and use it to cover the pan if possible.
- NEVER leave stove on and unattended.
