Kitchen Safety

Kitchen fires cause hundreds of fatalities and thousands of injuries every year. The tips and suggestions below will help you avoid the dangers of fire in your kitchen.

• Always keep a watchful eye on foods while cooking and be sure to turn off all stove burners, the oven, and appliances immediately after use. For added safety, unplug electrical appliances as soon as you are finished using them. NEVER leave cooking food unattended.
• Keep your kitchen clean! Be sure to clean grease and spills as soon as they occur. Never leave paper towels, cloths, pot holders, or any other flammable objects hear a heat source such as a toaster or stove.
• Never, never leave children unattended in the kitchen while you are cooking. Make it a house rule that children are not allowed near the stove while it is in use.

1. HOT OIL IS DANGEROUS! Heat cooking oil slowly under cover, over a moderated setting with care, caution and constant attention.
2. WATCH OUT FOR POT HANDLES! Keep pot handles turned in to avoid bumping or knocking hot pots over.
3. FOODS FROM MICROWAVES ARE VERY HOT! Use kitchen gloves or pot holders to prevent burns or scalds.
4. DRESS SAFELY FOR COOKING! No long, dangling sleeves or loose garments that can catch fire easily near the stove.
5. DON'T OVERLOAD ELECTRICAL OUTLETS! Don't plug in too many cooking appliances at the same time. Check all cords to make sure they're not becoming frayed or cracked and be certain that all fuses and circuit breakers are in good condition.

Don't pour water on a grease fire! One of the most common causes of fire in the kitchen is burning grease or oil. Water can not extinguish this type of fire. If frying foods ignite, smother the flames by putting a lid over the pan, then, turn off stove.

If a grease fire or any type fire starts in your oven, shut the oven door and turn off the heat. Keep the fire smothered and the food covered until it cools off. Call the fire department immediately if the flames continue to burn or if you do not feel comfortable and would like to have it checked.