April 2022
Just the facts:
According to the National Fire Protection Agency (NFPA)…
- On average, there are 91,700 reported home fires each year associated with cooking equipment, killing 327 people and injuring 4,607.
- Cooking fires are the #1 cause of home fires and home fire injuries.
- Unattended cooking is the leading cause of home cooking fires.
- Three in every ten reported home fires start in the kitchen – that’s more than any other place in the home.
Cooking Safety Tips
Grease Fires:
Always keep a potholder, oven mitt and lid handy. If a small grease fire starts in a pan, put on an oven mitt and smother the flames by carefully sliding the lid over the pan. Turn off the burner. Don’t remove the lid until it is completely cool.
Never pour water on a grease fire and never discharge a fire extinguisher onto a pan fire, as it can spray or shoot burning grease around the kitchen, actually spreading the fire.
Oven Fires:
Turn off the heat and keep the door closed to prevent flames from burning you and your clothing.
Microwave Fires:
Keep the door closed and unplug the microwave. Call the fire department and make sure to have the microwave serviced before you use it again. Food cooked in a microwave can be dangerously hot. Remove the lid or other coverings from microwaved foods carefully to prevent steam burns.
Prevent Accidental
FIRE ALARMS
Turn Exhaust Fan ON Before Using Oven or Stove.