Cooking Safety Tips
November 23, 2021
Unified Fire Prevention | Safety Tips
Cooking Safety
Did you know… Cooking fires are the #1 cause of home fires and home injuries.
Cook with Caution
- BE ON ALERT if you are sleepy, or under the influence of drugs or alcohol, don’t use the stove or stovetop.
- STAY IN THE KITCHEN while you are frying, boiling, or grilling food. If you leave the kitchen, turn off the stove.
- CHECK IT OFTEN if you are simmering, baking, or roasting food, use a timer to remind you that you are cooking.
- OBJECTS CATCH FIRE keep oven mitts, wooden utensils, food packaging, towels, etc., away from your stovetop.
Cooking and Kids
Have a “kid-free zone” of at least 3 feet around the stove, and areas where hot food or drink is prepared, or carried.
If there’s a small (grease) cooking fire and you…
DECIDE TO FIGHT THE FIRE
On the stovetop, smother the flames by sliding a lid over the pan and turning off the burner (cover until cool). For an oven fire, turn off the heat and keep the door closed.
HAVE DOUBT ABOUT FIGHTING THE FIRE
Just get out! When you leave, close the door behind you to help contain the fire. Call 9-1-1, or the local emergency number once you are safely outside the home.
Facts
- The leading cause of fires in the kitchen is unattended cooking.
- Most cooking fires in the home involve the kitchen stove.
Resources
Learn more about cooking safety and other fire safety tips from NFPA (National Fire Protection Association).
