Did you know?

Cooking fires are the leading cause of home fires and home fire injuries. Unattended cooking is the leading cause of cooking fires.

Top tips:

TURN pot handles toward the back of the stove. Always keep a lid nearby when cooking. IF a small grease fire starts, slide the lid over the pan and turn off the burner.

WATCH what you heat. Set a timer to remind you that you are cooking.

HAVE a "kid-free zone" of at least 3 feet (1 meter) around the stove and areas where hot food or drink is prepared or carried. 

 

IN THE KITCHEN

• Stay in the kitchen while cooking. If you must leave the kitchen, even for a short time, turn off the stove.
• Keep anything that can catch fire (towels, pot holders, etc) away from your stovetop.
• Keep stove top, oven, and burners clean. 
• Keep pets off of cooking surfaces and nearby counters. 
• If you have a cooking fire, when in doubt, just get out and call the fire department. 
• If a fire starts in the oven, turnoff the oven and leave the door closed. Have the oven checked or serviced before using it again. 
• To prevent cooking fires, you have to be alert. Don't cook if you are sleepy or have taken medicines, drugs, or alcohol that make you drowsy. 

 

BARBEQUING

• At least once a year, check your propane cylinder hose for leaks.
• Never leave a lit BBQ unattended.
• When your BBQ is in use, it should be kept in an open space, away from anything that might catch fire, including siding, deck railings, eaves or tree branches. 
• Never add charcoal started fluid on coals or kindling that has already been ignited.

 

MICROWAVES

• Plug the microwaves directly into an outlet. Extension cords can overload the circuit and cause a fire.
• Open food that you've heated in the microwave slowly and away from your face to prevent scalding from escaping steam.
• If you have a fire in your microwave, turn it off immediately and keep the door closed until the fire is completely out. Have the microwave serviced before using it again. 

 

ELECTRICAL COOKING EQUITMENT

• Always use cooking equipment - slow cookers, electric skillets, hot plates, griddles, etc. - that is listed by qualified testing laboratory. 
• Check electrical cords or any part of the appliance for cracks, breaks, damage, or overheating. Have a professional repair the appliance or cord as needed or replace the appliance.

 

BURNS

• When cooking, wear short, close-fitting or tightly-rolled sleeves.
• If your clothes do catch fire, stop, drop, and roll!
• Burns require immediate attention. Run the area under cool water for 3-5 minutes. Cover with a clean, dry cloth. If the burn is the bigger than your fist, or if you have questions regarding care, get medical help right away. 

 

 

 

A winning pair
1. Smoke alarms
Smoke alarms sense smoke well before you can, alerting you to danger. Smoke alarms need to be in every bedroom, outside of the sleeping areas (like in a hallway), and on each level (including basement) f your home. Do not put smoke alarms in your kitchen or bathrooms

2. Home Fire Escape Plan
It is important for everyone to plan and practice a home fire escape. Everyone needs to be prepared in advance so that they know what to do when the smoke alarms sounds.

Children, older adults, and people with disabilities may need assistance to wake up and get out. Make sure that someone will help them!

 

 

Credit to NFPA.