The kitchen is the heart of the home. It’s where families gather to cook favorite recipes, share warm meals, and reconnect with each other, especially during the holidays. Unfortunately, it’s also where two of every five reported home fires start.
- Take steps to protect your home and family from cooking hazards:
- Never leave cooking equipment unattended. Turn off burners if you have to leave the room.
- Supervise children closely in the kitchen.
- Prevent fires by making sure your stovetop and oven are clean and free of grease and dust. Clean the exhaust hood and duct over the stove regularly.
- Keep the cooking area around the stove/oven clear of combustibles, such as towels, napkins, and pot holders.
- Wear short or close-fitting sleeves. Loose clothing can catch fire.
- To protect from spills and burns, use the back burners and turn the pot handles in, away from reaching hands.
- Locate all appliances away from the sink.
- Plug countertop appliances into Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI)-protected outlets.
- Keep appliance cords away from hot surfaces like the range or toaster.
- Unplug the toaster and other countertop appliances when not in use.
- Be sure to turn off all appliances when cooking is completed.
Fast Facts:
- Cooking equipment is the leading cause of reported home fires and injuries. It is also the leading cause of unreported home fires.
- During 2004-2008, U.S. fire departments responded to an average of 154,700 home cooking fires each year.
- Unattended cooking equipment is the leading cause of home cooking fires.
