Tips for Preventing Kitchen Fires

11/19/2021 (Permalink)

Kitchen fire damage in Gladstone, MO.

Kitchen Fire Prevention Tips

The kitchen is a source of many home fires, but there are many things you can do to keep your family out of harm's way. Some hazards you can easily remove by making small changes in the way you cook. Other risks can be minimized by properly maintaining the many appliances in the room. Take a look at some statistics from the National Fire Protection Association and then use the following quick tips to avoid the frustration and expense of kitchen fires.

• Two-thirds of home-based kitchen fires start when food and other cooking materials ignite.
• More than 60 percent of home cooking fires took place with ranges, as opposed to ovens.
• The number of household kitchen fires peaks on Thanksgiving Day.

Don't Walk Away

One of the most important things you can do to protect your kitchen and home from fire damage is to stay with the food you're cooking. You need to act fast if you have a grease fire. Don't walk away while waiting for water to boil and if you have to run out to do some errands, turn off the stove and remove your pots of food. The same is true of any food you have in the broiler.

Clear the Area

The second of these tips is to inspect your cooking area for items that could catch fire. Check your clothing for large-fitting shirts or aprons. Watch out for oven mitts, appliance cords, or recipe books that could catch fire if they are too close to a burner. Many home chefs use towels to move pots off the stove, but these could dangle onto the burner and lead to flames.

Think Safety

As you invest in appliances for the kitchen, don't forget to purchase a fire extinguisher and smoke detectors. These two affordable devices could mean the difference between expensive fire damage with injuries and a small amount of cleanup without injuries. Don't just buy those items; make sure you know how to use them and that they are in working condition.

The more you know about cooking safely, the better off you and your family will be. You may find that fire departments and fire restoration companies in Gladstone, MO, have additional tips to offer.