How to limit cooking fire losses

Each year nearly 100,000 fires begin the in the kitchen. These fires create tremendous personal loss, result in fatalities, and displace families. By working these few recommendations, you can help prevent fire in your home.

Tips to prevent cooking fires:

• Do not leave cooking unattended - 40% of all deaths from home cooking fires result from unattended cooking.
• Keep your cooking area clean - Avoid grease build-up be keeping you appliances and cooking surface clean.
• Do not keep flammable objects near the stove - Any items that can catch fire easily should not be near your flame. Items like pot holders, curtains, packaging and towels.
• Turn pot handles toward the center of the stove - This prevents you from knocking them off the stove, or young children from pulling them down.
• Wear short sleeves or tight fitting clothes - Avoid wearing clothing that can easily come in contact with the burners.
• Heat cooking oils slowly - Heating cooking oil too quickly could set it on fire. Never leave hot oil unattended.
• Teach children to cook safely - Young children should be kept over three (3) feet away from the stove while you are cooking. Older children should only cook with adult supervision and/or permission.

If a cooking fire does start, take these steps:

• Put a lid on the pot or pan - Spatter from hot cooking oil can ignite items close to your cooking area. Keep a lid on your pots and pans while you’re cooking.
• Keep stove or microwave closed of fire starts - Turn off the heat. If flames do not go out immediately, call the fire department. 
• Learn the proper use of your fire extinguisher - Not all fire extinguishers are alike. They are designed for specific types of fire. Make sure you have a clear escape route and the fire department has been called before attempting to extinguish a small fire. 

Never put water on a grease fire - Never pour water on a grease fire. Water causes grease fires to spread.