Most home fires start in the kitchen; more specifically, the stove top and oven. Fortunately, you can easily prevent cooking fires if you exercise caution and remain vigilant every time you turn on the stove or oven. Here are a number of important safety tips to help you prevent fire hazards in your kitchen:
- When purchasing a stove or oven, make sure they have the label of an independent testing laboratory.
- If possible, register your oven online to allow the manufacturer to contact you about potential dangers that come up with the model you purchased.
- Consider calling a professional to install your new gas or electrical oven to ensure that the oven and hood are connected safely.
- If you have children living in your home, consider installing safety devices such as stove locking straps, stove safety guards and stove knob stops.
- Avoid using the stove or oven if you have been consuming alcohol. Discourage those who have consumed alcohol to use the stove or oven.
- Keep your stove top and oven clean. Grease and food particles can start a fire that spreads quickly.
- Always supervise the stove when boiling, frying, grilling or broiling food.
- When cooking, make sure to roll up your sleeves, tie back long hair and wear non-slip footwear.
- Before using the oven, make sure it doesn’t smell of gas when opening it. If it does, open a window and call the manufacturer or an oven repair contractor.
- Don’t store anything in the oven and make sure it’s empty before using it.
- When using the stove top, use the burners on the back, but be sure the pot is not too small or big for the burner.
- Have a fire extinguisher or baking soda in the kitchen to stop accidental fires quickly. Put metal lids on top of pots that caught fire.
- WARNING: never pour water over a grease fire. This makes flaming oil spread rapidly. Use a fire extinguisher, baking soda, salt or a wet rag.
The kitchen is where most home fires start, but the wiring and appliances in your home can also cause a fire. Find out more about the causes of electrical fires and explore general kitchen fire safety tips. For professional fire, water and mold restoration services, contact your local PuroClean office.
