5 Tips To Prevent Kitchen Fires

7/22/2021 (Permalink)

Be attentive to your cooking and do not leave it unattended, even for a few minutes.

5 Kitchen Fire Prevention Tips

In 2016, 50% of house fires in the United States were caused by cooking. As a homeowner in Unionville, VA follow these five helpful tips to reduce the chance of fire damage in your kitchen:

1. Pay Attention

Be attentive to your cooking and do not leave it unattended, even for a few minutes. If you must leave the house, turn off the oven first. Regularly check on the food, especially if you are frying, broiling or grilling. If you are not in the kitchen, set a timer so you know when the food is done. Double check that appliances are turned off before heading to bed.

2. Reduce Fire Hazards

Move anything that is flammable away from heat sources in the kitchen, especially those that generate open flames. This includes dish towels, pot holders, grocery bags and long sleeves or hair when cooking.

3. Clean Surfaces

Over time, grease and oil residue build up. Regular cleaning is one of the best tips to prevent a grease fire. If a grease fire occurs, never put water on it. Rather, cut off the oxygen to the flames by covering it with a pot or pan.

4. Take Precautions

The kitchen is no place for small children while you are cooking. Teach your kids to stay at least three feet away from the oven for safety.

5. Be Prepared

Protect your home by installing a working smoke detector in or near your kitchen, and on all levels of your home. Check the batteries and test the device on a regular basis. Keep a fire extinguisher within reach to combat small fires in early stages.

Follow the above tips to decrease the risk of fire in your home. Sometimes even taking precautions cannot prevent a fire in Unionville, VA. If this happens, immediately get your family to safety and call the fire department. After the blaze it out, contact a fire restoration specialist and your homeowner’s insurance agent to learn about your next steps to restore your fire damaged home.