What can I do to keep my kitchen safe?
Keep cooking surfaces clean and clutter free
- Keep appliances free of spills and grease that may catch fire.
- Keep curtains, dish towels, plastic containers and pot holders away from hot surfaces.
Operate microwave ovens safely
- Always use pot holders or oven mitts to remove food from microwaves.
- Be careful when removing a wrapper or cover from microwaved food. Steam escaping from the container can cause a burn.
Take care of electrical cords
- Avoid overloading electrical outlets with too many kitchen appliances.
- Check electrical cords and plugs and discard them if they are damaged.
Install working smoke alarms
- Purchase and install working smoke alarms. Specialized alarms with a pause feature are available for the kitchen to prevent nuisance alarms.
- Test smoke alarms monthly. For battery operated smoke alarms, replace the batteries at least once a year.
- Follow manufacturer's instructions for other maintenance information.
How can I cook safely?
Stay in the kitchen when cooking
- Never leave cooking unattended. Oil or fat can easily ignite.
- Always turn elements off when you are finished cooking.
- Turn off or unplug electrical appliances when you are finished using them.
- Keep children a safe distance from the cooking area.
- Cooking requires you to be alert. Avoid cooking when under the influence of alcohol or medications.
Wear short or tight-fitting sleeves
- Avoid loose sleeves that may dangle into flames or onto hot elements.
- Keep the area around your stove free from items that may burn.
Turn pot handles in
- Prevent burns by turning pot handles toward the back of the stove when cooking. By doing this pots can not be pulled or knocked off the stove.
- Whenever possible use rear elements.
What should I do if I have a kitchen fire?
If you have a fire in your home:
- Get everyone out.
- Call 911 or your local emergency number from a neighbour's phone.
Consider using a portable fire extinguisher ONLY if the following conditions exist:
- Everyone has left the building.
- The fire department has been called.
- The fire is confined to a small area.
- A clear escape route exists between you and the fire.
- There is an appropriate, working fire extinguisher available.
- You have read the extinguisher instructions and have received training in it's safe operation.
If the fire does not go out, leave your home and call 9-1-1 or your local emergency number.
What kinds of fires may happen in my kitchen?
- Grease fires: Use a pot holder or oven mitt and slide a lid or a cookie sheet over the flames. Then turn the heat off. Never put water on a grease fire.
- Oven fires: Close the oven door and turn the heat off.
- Microwave fires: Keep the door closed and turn the microwave off.
NOTE: For all fires, get everyone out of the home and call the fire department.
Is there anything else I need to know?
If your clothes catch fire:
- Stop, drop to the floor, cover your face with your hands, and roll. Keep rolling until the flames are out.
If you get burned:
- Immediately cool the burned area by placing it under cool water for 10-15 minutes. Cool water reduces skin damage and minimizes pain.
- NEVER use butter, lotions, ice or ointments to treat a burn.
- Don't break blisters as this could cause infection.
- Seek medical attention if any burns char the skin, blister, look white or become infected.
Children in the kitchen
- The kitchen is not a play area for children. Establish a safe area where children can be placed away from risk but under continuous supervision.
- Never leave hot liquids or foods unattended or where a child may pull them down. Keep children at a safe distance when you pour or drink hot liquids.
- Do not store tempting food items such as snacks or cereals above or near the stove.
- Prevent burns by turning pot handles toward the back of the stove.