General Kitchen Safety Tips

  • Clean your oven and the stove top prior to the holidays. The heavy usage can cause grease to build up and cause a fire.
  • Use caution when working near heat sources.
  • Keep cooking areas clean and clear of combustibles.
  • Wear clothes with short or tight-fitting sleeves when you cook.
  • When cooking do not place potholders near or on the stove top as they can catch fire.
  • When lifting lids off hot pots use care to avoid the steam burns.
  • Always accompany the food being heated. Do not leave the kitchen when cooking.
  • If you have to leave the kitchen for a period of time, turn the stove off.
  • Never cook if you are sleepy, heavily medicated or intoxicated.
  • Keep all appliances free of oil and grease buildup.
  • Use oven mitts to handle hot pans.
  • Older children helping out in the kitchen should never be left alone.
  • Keep children away from any appliances when cooking.
  • Keep your pets away from cooking areas.
  • Use timers when cooking.
  • Do not to reach over the stove top for other combustible items.
  • Turn all pot handles inward to prevent burns.
  • Be careful around the sink/water while using electrical appliances to avoid electrocution.
  • Plug one appliance in a receptacle at a time.
  • Keep appliance cords as short as possible. To prevent tripping, and/or knocking hot appliances over.
  • Never hold a child in your arms while cooking.
  • Always keep sharp objects out of reach of children.
  • Keep an ABC dry chemical fire extinguisher near the kitchen.

 

Stove Top Fires

  • If a pot or pan should catch fire cover it with a lid to smother the fire.
  •  Turn the burner off and let the pot or pan cool.
  • Do not attempt to pick up the pot or pan. Carrying the pot/pan increases the chances of getting burned and spreading the fire.
  • Fire can spread to the walls or vent pipes quickly. As a precaution, call the Fire Department.
  • If a chemical extinguisher is close by and you know how to use one, use the extinguisher to put out the fire. It is best to use a class ABC fire extinguisher.
  • If that does not work, evacuate the house and call 9-1-1.

 

Oven fires

  • If there is a fire in the oven, turn the oven off.
  • Shut and keep oven door closed.
  • Fire can spread to the walls or vent pipes quickly. As a precaution, call the Fire Department.
  • If a chemical extinguisher is close by and you know how to use one, use the extinguisher to put out the fire. It is best to use a class ABC fire extinguisher.
  • If that does not work, evacuate the house and call 9-1-1.

 

Grease Fires

  • If you are cooking with oil or grease and it ignites, do not throw water on the fire.
  • Do not attempt to remove the pan.
  • Turn the burner off if you can reach it safely.
  • Carefully monitor hot oil, keeping the pan lid close at hand.
  • Smother the fire with a pan lid.
  • Do not pour burning oil into the sink.
  • If a chemical extinguisher is close by and you know how to use one, use the extinguisher to put out the fire. It is best to use a class ABC fire extinguisher.
  • If that does not work, evacuate the house and call 9-1-1.
 
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