4 Tips for Preventing Fires in Your Kitchen

7/14/2022 (Permalink)

Fire in an oven in a home in Bee Cave, TX.

Four Tips for Preventing Kitchen Fires

Cooking equipment is the most common source of house fires. In fact, according to the National Fire Protection Association, nearly half of home fires result from cooking. One of these kitchen fires can quickly spread to the rest of your Bee Cave, TX, house. While fire damage restoration specialists can repair your home after a blaze, you should also take steps to avoid cooking fires entirely.

1. Pay Attention to the Stove
Keep your eyes on the cooking food at all times. If you have to walk away to answer the phone or go to the bathroom, turn off the stove before you leave the room.

2. Remove Combustible Items
Oven mitts or towels can easily catch on fire if they are placed too close to an open flame. Keep these items away from your stovetop.

3. Do Not Wear Loose Clothing
Loose sleeves are quite combustible, as well. Roll up your sleeves or switch to tight-fitting outfits before you start cooking.

4. Turn Pot Handles Toward the Back of the Stove
This should prevent you from accidentally bumping into the handle and spilling the pot’s contents onto the stove. It will also limit the chances of your kids or pets knocking over the pot.

What To Do If a Kitchen Fire Occurs
Even if you follow the above tips, you still could end up with a fire in your kitchen. After all, the hot flames of a stove or oven could get out of control.
As soon as you see a small fire develop, call 911 right away. You may think you can handle the blaze yourself, but it could spread more quickly than you anticipate.
If the fire is in your oven or microwave, turn off the appliance and keep the door closed. This should smother the flames. You should also smother a grease fire by covering the flaming pan or pot with a lid.
The listed tips will keep your family safe as you prepare food. You can then enjoy the cooking process instead of worrying about a potential fire.