Each year, households in the United States face the devastating consequences of kitchen fires, but with common-sense kitchen practices most of the risk can be eliminated.
According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), there were approximately 355,400 home fires reported annually in the United States over the last five years. Among these fires, about 31 percent were attributed to cooking mishaps,
The primary cause? Unattended cooking. A momentary distraction or leaving cooking equipment unsupervised can lead to devastating fires in a matter of minutes. Grease fires, caused by overheating oil or fats, can escalate rapidly and pose an immediate danger if not handled correctly.
Preventing kitchen fires mainly requires awareness.
* Never leave cooking unattended, especially when using stovetops, ovens or fryers. If you need to leave the kitchen, turn off the heat.
* Clear clutter like kitchen towels, paper towels and curtains away from open flames or heating elements.
* Be cautious when cooking with oil. Use a thermometer to monitor oil temperature, and never overheat it. If a grease fire starts, do not use water; smother it with a lid or fire blanket.
* Set timers when baking, roasting, or simmering, so you're alerted when food is ready.
* Educate kids about the hazards of the kitchen and establish a safe distance while cooking.
* Keep pets out of the kitchen. If you have a gas range, install locks for the knobs so that a jumping dog can't inadvertently turn on a burner.;
* Maintain functional smoke alarms in the kitchen and throughout the home.
* Keep a fire extinguisher within reach and learn how to use it properly. The NFPA recommends at least one on every level of the home.
