Do’s & Don’ts of Kitchen Fire Safety

5/7/2019 (Permalink)

Make sure you do not leave cooking food unattended.

Approximately 166,000 homes are damaged by cooking fires every year resulting in hundreds of deaths and billions of dollars in damage. While homeowner’s insurance policies may cover fires that originated in the kitchen, there are measures that can be taken to prevent such fires from occurring. Below is a list of do’s and don’ts that will keep you and your family safe.

Have a Fire Extinguisher Nearby

A small fire extinguisher would be sufficient to keep a minor mistake from making major damage. It is a good idea to store one under your sink, and you must have it checked by a professional once a year. Having one could also possibly get you a discount on homeowners’ insurance.

Keep It Clean

Keeping your stove and oven clean is important because burnt food can ignite in high temperatures. Clean your stove, hood, and oven on a regular basis, and clean spills right away.

Do Not Attempt to Suppress a Grease Fire with Water

While throwing water on a fire is second nature, water will make grease fires worse because it will allow the fire to spread. Instead, put a lid on the pan to deprive the fire of oxygen. Other alternatives are to douse the flames with baking soda or use a fire extinguisher.

Do not Leave Cooking Food Unattended

Never leave the stove on when you are not in the room, it is crucial that you take action immediately after a fire breaks out, and you can’t do that if you are not there. If you must step out, have someone watch the food, or turn the burner off.

Even when all the precautionary measures are taken, accidents still happen. If you have suffered from fire damage in your home, call our team at SERVPRO (808)235-5015. We specialize in restoration and reconstruction services for fire damage, mold, and storms. Call today for an inspection!