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.