Cooking and the Kitchen

According to the United States Fire Administration, Cooking is the leading cause of home fires in the U.S. It is also the leading cause of home fire injuries. Cooking fires often result from unattended cooking and human error, rather than mechanical failure of stoves or ovens.

 Children and the elderly are vulnerable to burns in the kitchen. Therefore, anyone who is responsible for the care and safety of a child or senior - including parents, grandparents, baby sitters, older siblings, and other special caregivers - must have a good understanding fire hazards and risks of burns that can occur.

 Keep children a safe distance from all hot appliances (stove, coffee maker, toasters, etc.), hot liquids (including water). Consider where appliances are located and ensure electrical cords are out of reach of children. Electrical appliances should be unplugged when not is use. Prepare and pre-think your actions while cooking when children are in the home.

 Never leave food unattended when cooking. This seems like common sense, but this is just the "perfect" opportunity for a fire to start and quickly spread.

 Use extreme caution if you use a deep fat (oil) cooker/fryers. The fat or oil may reach temperatures greater than 400oF. (Beginning by the end of 2001 new electric deep fryers will be required to have "break-away" power cords. This new power cord will break away if a child pulls on it, preventing the deep fryer from tipping over and spilling scalding hot cooking oil on the child. This may help prevent a fire as well. The new requirements also apply to electric fondues and electric multi-purpose pots that use cooking oil. Consider replacing any older appliance.)

 Keep pot handles turned toward the rear of the stove.

 Do not let clothing come in contact with flame or hot surfaces, such as when reaching for an item. Wear snug-fitting or short sleeved clothing. Do not wear loose clothing, such as large shirts, bathrobes, etc. If necessary slide sleeves away. However, the problem with this is it is easy to forget util it is too late.

 Shut of heat or gas before reaching over a stove.

 If your sleeve should catch fire, coffee the burning material with a potholder or towel while keeping away from you nose & mouth. Move to the sink and run cold water to extinguish the fire and cool any burn. If other parts of clothing are in fire immediately STOP, DROP to the floor and ROLL on the floor while calling for help. For any burns, cool with cold water & call 911.

 Fire in the kitchen usually involves grease or oil. Housekeeping and is important. Keep surfaces of stove tops, range hoods and inside of ovens clean and free of residue buildup.

 If a fire occurs while cooking that involves oil or grease, do not use water. This may spread the fire. Always have a proper sized cover or lid for each pot, pan or skillet on hand. Extinguisher the fire by carefully placing the hood on top. This will deprive the fire of oxygen.

 Keep combustible materials, such as paper towels, pot holders, newspapers, magazines, etc. away from the stove top and other hot appliances such as toasters & coffee makers. Do not hang combustible decorations, papers or notes over or near the stove. This includes the side of the refrigerator, which might be located near the stove.

 Keep a fire extinguisher accessible. Know how to use it ahead of time by being familiar with instructions of when to use and when not to use and how to operate.

 In the event of a fire, dial 911 immediately. Always have an escape plan for your family. Get out and stay out.

Always have working smoke alarms installed on every level of your home, test them monthly and keep them clean and equipped with fresh batteries at all times. Know when and how to call for help. And remember to practice your home escape plan.

More Information: Shelton Fire Marshals Office at 924-1555, www.ctconnect/sheltonfire, www.sheltonpublicsafety.com or the US Fire Administration website: www.usfa.fema.gov