Unattended cooking is the leading cause of home fires and fire injuries. Cooking fires are entirely preventable by following simple safety guidelines.
Cook with Caution
- Ensure you are alert when cooking. If you are tired or drinking alcohol, don't use the stove or cooktop.
- Always stay in the kitchen if you are frying, boiling, grilling, or broiling food. If you leave the kitchen for a even a short period of time, turn off the stove.
- Set timers and check your food regularly when it is cooking.
- Keep anything that can catch fire (oven mitts, wooden and plastic utensils, towels, curtains) away from the stovetop.
Cooking with Oil
- If you see wisps of smoke or the oil smells, immediately turn off the burner or carefully remove the pan from the heat. Smoke is a danger sign that oil is too hot.
- Heat oil slowly to the temperature you need.
- Add food to oil gently so it does not splatter.
Cooking Fires
- Cooking fires are most often grease fires — never throw water on them.
- If a fire starts in a pan, smother the flames by sliding a lid over the pan, then turn off the burner. Leave the pan covered until it is completed cooled.
- For an oven fire, turn off the heat and keep the door closed.
Any Doubt?
- Get out! When you leave, close the door behind you to help contain the fire.
- Call 9-1-1 from outside the home.