Careless cooking is the number one cause of residential fires.
Most home fires begin in the kitchen as a result of cooking. During the holidays with friends and family visiting, it's important to not get distracted and to be aware of your cooking activities.
November 22, 2016 - With Thanksgiving just days away, CAL FIRE is reminding Californians about the dangers that home fires pose during the holiday season. Thanksgiving is a time of food, fun and festivities; but this time of year is also a time to be extra cautious as thousands of home fires across the nation are caused from holiday cooking.
In the Kitchen
- Keep children a safe distance from hot liquids and cooking surfaces.
- Clean the exhaust hood and duct over the stove regularly and wipe up spilled grease as soon as the surface of the stove is cool.
- It's wise to have a fire extinguisher near the kitchen. Keep it 10 feet away from the stove on the exit side of the kitchen.
- Don't store items on the stovetop because they could catch fire.
- Keep kitchen appliances clean and in good condition.
- When using a turkey fryer, be sure to follow instructions closely. Don't exceed the recommended oil level and only use the device outdoors!
- Be sure your stove is not located under a window where curtains are hanging.
- Ensure you have working smoke alarms installed throughout your home.
When Cooking
- Don't leave cooking unattended. If you leave the kitchen, turn the burner off.
- Always use potholders.
- Hot grease causes severe burns. Avoid using deep fat fryers around children.
- Never pour water on a grease fire; turn off the stove and cover the pan with a lid, or close the oven door.
- Turn pot handles toward the back of the stove. Someone walking by is less likely to bump them or pull them over.
- If your clothing should catch fire, immediately stop, drop and roll to smother flames.
- Scalds and burn injuries are on the increase. The highest risks are the very young and the elderly.
Source: CAL FIRE
