7 Cooking Tips To Prevent a Kitchen Fire

1/6/2022 (Permalink)

Remember these important tips to avoid Kitchen Fire in your Roanoke Rapids, NC home.

People often take for granted how hazardous cooking in their kitchen can be. After all, it's a daily process for many and easy to become accustomed to simply "going through the motions." There is a real risk of sustaining fire damage from an appliance malfunction or grease fire. Before returning to your Roanoke Rapids, NC kitchen, review these kitchen safety tips to prevent an avoidable disaster.

Do not forget these important tips to prevent a Kitchen Fire

1. Make Sure You Have Properly Placed, Working Smoke Detectors

Make sure you have working smoke detectors that are appropriately placed near the kitchen. They shouldn't be placed in the kitchen because steam and smoke from everyday cooking can prompt false alarms. The proper placement is at least 10 feet away.

2. Keep Oil and Grease to a Minimum

Use only the minimum amount of oil and grease you'll need to cook your food. Overfilling pots or pans can cause scalding hot oil or grease to splatter, which puts you at risk for burns and can easily start a fast-moving fire that will definitely require the services of fire damage restoration professionals.

3. Clean Spills Immediately

Spilling things is expected when you're cooking. Although you may be busy cooking, you should clean up spills immediately if they are near heat. This is one of the most important tips to remember. A grease buildup on your stove, in your oven or in your toaster oven can create a quickly growing fire that's challenging to extinguish. Ensure that all the kitchen surfaces are clean before you begin cooking, also.

4. Keep Flammable Materials Away from Cooking Area

It's easy to get involved in preparing your meal and overlook flammable materials coming too close to hot appliances. Be aware of your clothes (e.g., long sleeves), pot holders, dish towels, etc. Also, be careful of combustible objects such as lighters and aerosol cans sitting too close to the heat.

5. Keep Appliances Maintained

Regularly clean and maintain all of your kitchen appliances. Many of these units pose a fire risk if they don't function properly, and if they aren't maintained, they won't work as they should. It will also shorten their lifespan. Toaster ovens are common origins of fire, partially due to crumbs left in the crumb tray. Also, if you begin experiencing any issues with your appliances, even a strange sound, replace them or hire a professional to repair them.

6. Unplug Appliances When They're Not in Use

Every time you finish using them, you should unplug each smaller electronic appliance, such as toaster ovens and coffee makers. Merely being plugged in causes them to continually draw electricity, even when powered off. This can contribute to fire when they're not in use if an electrical component is faulty.

7. Never Leave Cooking Food Unattended

Never leave cooking food or appliances that are powered on unattended. Even if you have everything under control in the kitchen, things can get out of hand fast. If you must leave the area, recruit someone else to stay there until you return.

Avoid kitchen fire damage by always being mindful of these safety tips. Your family's security depends on it, not to mention your home's wellbeing.