Kitchen Fires: How to Be Prepared

12/26/2022 (Permalink)

Developing an understanding of potential fire hazards in the kitchen and becoming aware of fire safety best practices are both ways to be prepared.

The kitchen is often a popular gathering spot year-round, but especially during the holidays. The National Fire Protection Agency reports that in 2019, Thanksgiving was the peak day for home cooking fires, followed by Christmas Day and Christmas Eve, which illuminates the prevalence of cooking fires during the holidays. Developing an understanding of potential fire hazards in the kitchen and becoming aware of fire safety best practices are two critical steps to take in order to help promote fire safety in the kitchen this holiday season. Keep reading for 3 proactive fire safety tips to keep in mind while cooking.

1. Create Space in Your Kitchen

The NFPA recommends creating a “kid-free zone” around certain dangerous areas of the kitchen in order to keep children away from cooking areas. However, this is a helpful tip for everyone spending time in the kitchen – not just children. Consider keeping at least 3 feet between guests in your kitchen and cooking equipment like stovetops and ovens.

2. Keep a Lid Nearby

The kitchen stove, according to the NFPA, is involved in the majority of kitchen fires. If a small fire ignites while cooking on the stove, it is beneficial to have a lid at arm’s reach, as it can facilitate the process of smothering the fire. By having a lid for your pan nearby, you can quickly reach for it, slide it over the pan, and turn off the burner upon first notice of a fire. This tip, however, is not helpful with oven fires. In the event of an oven fire, it is best to keep the oven door closed and the oven off.

3. Be Prepared to Handle a Fire

When you discover a fire in your kitchen, it is important to make a quick decision to either fight it or call for help. While action must be swift, your decision should be a thoughtful one. If you have any amount of doubt in your ability to sufficiently extinguish the fire, call 911, move everyone out of your home quickly and safely, and close the door behind you to prevent the fire from spreading. On the other hand, if the fire is small or if you have a fire extinguisher nearby and you feel confident in your ability to extinguish it, you may be able to handle it on your own. When in doubt, do not hesitate to call 911.

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