Cooking safety
Nearly two thirds of all domestic fires happen because of cooking. That's an awful lot of fires. The kitchen is the single most dangerous place in your home.
The fact is that time and again it's the same problems that cause fires in kitchens across the country. If you know what those problems are, the chances you'll have a fire in your kitchen are hugely reduced.
This section covers how to keep safe while cooking, plus what to do if a fire starts in your kitchen.
- If you're called away from the cooker - by the phone, say, or by someone at the door - take pans off the heat. It's the easiest thing in the world to forget about them.
- Don't let yourself be distracted while cooking.
- Don't cook if you're affected by alcohol or prescription drugs.
- Turn saucepan handles so they don't stick out (and aren't over another ring).
- Keep the oven door shut.
- Don't put oven gloves or tea towels down on the cooker after you've used them.
- Always clean the grill pan after using it.
Don't reach for danger!
Wear tight-fitting or rolled-up sleeves when cooking and don't reach over a hot burner. If a pot catches fire, cover it with a lid and turn off the burner. Never leave your cooking unattended.
Most people are aware that there are many hazards in the kitchen when cooking. Here is a Top Ten List of things to remember and keep an eye on when you are cooking dinner or baking those delicious meals:
1. When cooking on the stovetop, always remember to turn the handles of pots and pans inward when cooking. If a handle is sticking out over the edge of the stove, it is very easy for someone to walk by and accidentally tip the pot or pan over, spilling boiling water or sizzling stir-fry.
2. Use protection when cooking: aprons, pot holders, and oven mitts. When taking the casserole or cake pan out of the oven, it is important to keep your hands covered, so they do not burn. Also, aprons are helpful to not only keep your clothes free from flour, they also protect you from oil splashes or scalding spills.
3. Have your children maintain a 2 foot distance from the stove and oven when you are cooking. If you have kids, you know that they are curious and often want to help you cook. However, for their safety, have them stay a safe distance away so their little hands and arms and bodies stay safe in the kitchen.
4. When your children are helping your cook or bake, always keep a close eye on them. It is lots of fun to have little helpers in the kitchen when you are making yummy cupcakes. However, it is important to keep a close eye on them so they do not get burned, hurt, or injured.
5. When cooking or baking, always be aware of where your dish is in the process. Things left alone for long periods of time on the stove or in the oven are dangerous when unsupervised.
6. Inspect the cords on your electrical appliances: make sure they are not frayed or damaged. If you notice the cords on your electrical appliances are frayed or have tears in them, it is time to get another mixer of coffee maker and time to throw the old one out.
7. Always unplug electrical appliances when you are finished using them. Plugged-in appliances are a fire hazard when left alone.
8. Keep a fire extinguisher or baking soda nearby when cooking or baking. It is always better to be safe than sorry when is comes to safety in the kitchen…or anywhere for that matter!
9. Keep flammable items such as cloths, hand towels, paper towels, cookbooks, writing pads, or magazines clear and away from the stovetop when cooking. If they are too close, they have the potential to catch on fire.
10. Make sure you have smoke detectors installed near the kitchen and that they are properly maintained and tested on a regular basis. Smoke detectors are necessary in each and every home, not to mention the warning signal saves hundreds of lives each year.
When cooking in the kitchen, it is always important to simply be aware of what is going on at all times, and to practice caution each time you are in the kitchen. Remember, being aware is your best defense!
If you do have a fire in the kitchen, don't take any risks - get everyone out of your home and call the Fire and Rescue Service.
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[edit] But if a pan catches fire:
- Don't move it (it could give you terrible burns).
- Turn off the heat if it's safe to do so - but never lean over the pan to the controls.
- Never throw water over it.
- If you have a fire blanket, put it over the pan.
- Don't use a fire extinguisher on a pan filled with oil.
- Leave the pan to cool completely.
[edit] If it's an electrical fire:
- Pull the plug out or switch off the power at the fusebox. This may stop the fire immediately.
- Smother the fire with a fire blanket, or use a dry powder or carbon dioxide extinguisher.
- Never use water on it.
[edit] Oven Fires
Turn off the heat and keep the door closed. Call the fire department so that firefighters can check for possible flame spread.
[edit] Toaster Oven or Microwave Fires
Keep the door closed. Unplug the appliance if you can safely reach the outlet. Call the fire department to report the fire. Have the appliance serviced before you use it again or replace it.
Using a Portable Fire Extinguisher: If you know how to safely use a portable fire extinguisher, you may be able to put out a small, contained fire, such as a toaster oven or trash fire. Always call the fire department before fighting the fire and make sure everyone else has left the building. Make sure your exit is not blocked by the fire.
[edit] Fire Prevention Tips
According to the Home Safety Council's State of Home Safety in America™ Report, fires and burns are the third leading cause of unintentional home injury and related deaths. Fire safety and survival begin with everyone in your household being prepared. Follow the safety advice below from the Home Safety Council to reduce the chance of fire in your home:
[edit] Prevent Fires Caused by Cooking
Always stay in the kitchen while cooking.
Keep things that can burn, such as dishtowels, paper or plastic bags, and curtains at least three feet away from the range top.
Before cooking, roll up sleeves and use oven mitts. Loose-fitting clothes can touch a hot burner and catch on fire.
Always stay by the grill when cooking. Your grill may stay hot for a long time. Keep children and pets away.
Keep grills at least ten feet away from other objects, including the house and any shrubs or bushes.
[edit] Prevent Fires Caused by Matches & Lighters
Many young children are badly burned or die playing with matches and lighters.
Store matches and lighters in a locked cabinet.
If you must keep matches or lighters in your jacket or purse, put them in a place where children cannot see or touch them.
[edit] Prevent Fires Caused by Heating
Space heaters need space. Keep them at least three feet away from things that can burn, such as curtains or stacks of newspaper. Always turn off heaters when leaving the room or going to bed.
Have a service person inspect chimneys, fireplaces, wood and coal stoves and central furnaces once a year. Have them cleaned when necessary.
Keep things that can burn away from your fireplace and keep a glass or metal screen in front of your fireplace. Creosote logs can be used to help reduce the build-up of creosote in fireplaces. Check labels to make sure the log has been tested and approved by UL. Even if you use creosote logs, fireplaces should still be inspected by a professional each year.
