Fire Prevention > Kitchen Fire Safety Tips
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 spatter, spreading the fire. Have a lid for every pan or skillet that is in use. Put out fires by using the lids to shut off the oxygen to the fire.
Trying to cary a burning pan outdoors or to the sink often results in spilling the liquid. This in turn causes burn injuries and also permits the fire to spread. Remember, put a lid on it!
While cooking, don't wear loose clothing, and be very careful not to reach across a burner at any time. Garments with long, draping sleeves or lightweight sheer materials can catch fire by simply brushing against a hot burner.
Be careful when 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.
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 and pot holders ignite at 400 degrees.
Supervise the very young and elderly. Teach the children not to play around the stove, and never leave a stove that is unattended.
Keep a fully charged, approved fire extinguisher in the kitchen, and know how to use it! Remember, never throw water on a grease fire!!
Never leave food that you are cooking unattended. Many fires start when someone leaves what they are cooking to watch something on T.V., answer the phone or even to fall asleep!
Kitchen Fire Safety Overview
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