Microwave oven on fire
Cooking is something we do every day, and for many, it may be three times a day. It can be easy to forget that the high temperatures necessary for cooking can easily start a fire. According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), cooking is the leading cause of fires both at home and in the office. Cooking-related fires account for 30% of fires in the workplace and 44% of all fires at home. Unattended cooking is the most common cause of kitchen fires.
The number of cooking-related fires also peaks during the holidays. Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, and Christmas Day are the top three days in which cooking fires are reported in the US. With all of these holidays coming up, here are some safety tips to help keep you and your family safe in the kitchen.
Fire Prevention Tips:
- Stay in the Kitchen when cooking on the stovetop, and keep an eye on the food.
- Stay home when cooking food in the oven and check on it frequently.
- Keep flammable items away from the flames or heating elements.
- Unplug appliances when not in use, such as toasters and coffee makers.
- Wear short or tight-fitting sleeves when cooking.
- Do not store items in your oven when not in use.
- Do not put metals in your microwave, such as utensils, aluminum foil, or twist tie wraps.
Stovetop on fire
In Case of a Fire:
- In case of a grease fire, never use water or a fire extinguisher. Water spreads the fire, and the force of a fire extinguisher can spread the fire.
- Put a lid on a grease fire to smother it, then turn off the heat. Baking soda also works on grease fires.
- Never move a burning pan. You can be badly burned or spread the fire even more.
- In case of fires inside an oven or a microwave, keep the door closed, shut off the appliance, and call emergency services.
- Most victims are injured in fires while attempting to fight the fire.
While almost everyone has cooked food, it's important to know that cooking is the leading cause of home fires and fire injuries. Ranges or cooktops cause 62% of home fires. Let's stay safe by remembering some of these simple tips.
