Preventing Kitchen Fires: Tips on Safe Cooking

Clearly, there is a need for homeowners to proactively prevent cooking accidents that lead to home fires. At Fire Alarm Houston, we do not only help our clients install effective fire detection and alarm systems, we also promote the importance of minimizing the risk of fire and removing hazards that make fire incidents possible in the first place. In this article, we share some helpful reminders and tips which you can follow to protect your family and property from such accidents. These recommendations come from organizations like the NFPA and the American Red Cross, groups that work for the common goal of creating safer homes in the United States. 

• Cook only when you are alert – If you are sleepy or if you have been drinking alcohol, don’t cook.
• Never leave your cooking unattended – Whether you’re frying, boiling, or grilling, you should never leave your cooking out of sight. If you have to leave the kitchen, remember to turn the stove or oven off first.
• Use a timer – When baking, simmering, boiling, or roasting food, always use a timer to remind yourself when it’s time to turn off the stove or oven. Never leave the house while you’re cooking.
• Keep inflammable items away – Keep kitchen towels, cooking mittens, wooden utensils, plastic food packaging, paper bags, clothing, and other inflammable items away from the stove fire.
• Keep children away – The kitchen should be declared a kid-free zone when you are cooking. They can always enjoy the food after the cooking is done!
• Don’t overcook – When you are frying and you notice smoke emanating from the pan, that means the oil is too hot. Quickly turn the flame off and wait for the pan and food to cool down. You can avoid grease fires by heating the oil slowly and only until it is hot enough to cook your food.