6 Tips to Achieve Fire Safety in the Kitchen

One of the primary reasons for home fires (and even home fire deaths) is due to cooking fires. While kitchen fires are certainly something that should scare everyone, there are many things you can do to prevent yourself from a call to the fire department.

If you don’t want your kitchen to catch fire any time soon, we’ll provide you with a few tips you can use to prevent kitchen and home fire injuries. Make sure to follow as many of them as you can to prevent any problems while you cook.

One – Avoid Unattended Cooking

The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) states that the leading cause of grease fires (and kitchen fires in general) is not paying attention when you cook. If you’re either grilling, frying, boiling, or broiling food, make sure you don’t leave the kitchen unless you turn off the heat source first.

Two – Use High-Quality and Clean Kitchen Equipment

There are many combustible materials in the kitchen, so make sure you deal with those before you cook. Some basic things that could cause a cooking fire include built-up grease, excess dust in electrical appliances, crumbs in your toaster, and getting your oven mitts or wooden utensils near your stovetop.

Three – Deal with Hot Grease Efficiently To Prevent a Grease Fire

As a rule of thumb, never throw hot grease in the garbage since that could easily cause a cooking fire. To prevent a big or small grease fire, make sure you let it cool before disposing of it.

Moreover, never pour your grease down a drain. In case a fire starts because you didn’t let the grease cool, make sure to turn off the fire source and leave your pan covered until the grease cools.

Four – Use Appropriate Clothing for Cooking

Aside from having quality cooking equipment, avoid wearing loose clothing since that could easily catch fire. You can try wearing shorts or tightly-rolled sleeves while preparing meals.

Five – Keep a Functioning Fire Extinguisher Nearby

One of the best ways to avoid calling the fire department over home fires is to have an extinguisher nearby. However, make sure that you know how to use it first to avoid any accidents and safely extinguish small fires.

[Read: How to Use a Home Fire Extinguisher Safely]

Six – Keep Hot Food or Beverages Away from Dangerous Areas

As much as possible, avoid placing these items on the edge of your tables or counters since those could easily fall and catch a fire.

Frequently Asked Questions About Fire Safety In the Kitchen

What Are the Basic Kitchen Fire Safety Rules?

Consider the following basic rules to prevent getting a fire in your kitchen:

• Avoid placing your oven mitt, food packaging, loose clothes, or other items near your stove or any cooking device.
• Don’t use the kitchen if you’re sleepy or have consumed alcohol.
• In case of an oven fire, turn off the heat source, and keep the oven door closed.
• Don’t throw away grease until it’s completely cool to prevent small grease fires.
• Be careful with lighting the pilot light on your gas flame stove.
• Turn pot handles inward to prevent kids from reaching them.
• Make sure you install high-quality smoke alarms.
• Clean your kitchen regularly.

How Do You Protect Your Kitchen from Fire?

Generally speaking, you must follow as many basic kitchen safety rules as possible to make your kitchen as safe as possible. It’s also vital to have safety equipment like alarms and extinguishers.

For more information, read our guide about the 4 Essential Fire Prevention Equipment to Keep in Your Home.

What Are Fire Hazards in the Kitchen?

Some of the most common hazards you can have in your kitchen include:

• Grease
• Cooking Oil
• Alcohol
• Clothing
• Mitts
• Electric Burner or Gas Stove
• Fryers
• Ovens
• Trash Cans
• Electrical Wiring
• Vent and Hood Systems

Improve Your Kitchen’s Fire Safety!

A kitchen fire will never be a pleasant experience, so make sure you use all of the tips mentioned here. Having enough functioning fire safety devices is also necessary to protect your property and loved ones from a fire emergency.

On the other hand, if you’re looking to improve your safety systems like your extinguisher, you can contact B&W Fire Security Systems for help.

We hope this article has helped you!