Cooking Safety

Some people enjoy cooking. It provides and outlet for creativity and can be relaxing. Cooking a delicious meal is also a great way to bring family and friends together. But did you know that cooking fires are the number one cause of home fires and home injuries? By following a few safety tips from the National Fire Protection Association, you can help prevent a fire.

Cook with Caution

• Stay in the kitchen while you’re frying, boiling, grilling or broiling food. If you leave the kitchen for even a short period of time, turn off the stove.
• If you’re simmering, baking or roasting food, check it regularly, remain home while food is cooking, and use a timer to remind you that you’re cooking.
• Keep anything that can catch fire — oven mitts, wooden utensils, food packaging, towels or curtains – away from your stovetop.

If you have small (grease) cooking fire and decide to fight the fire…

• On the stovetop, smother the flames by sliding a lid over the pan and turning off the burner. Leave the pan covered until it’s completely cooled.
• For an oven fire, turn off the heat and keep the door closed.

If you have any doubt about fighting a small fire….

• Just get out! When you leave, close the door behind you to help contain the fire.
• Call 9-1-1