Kitchen Fire Safety
The number one cause of residential fires in North America is from cooking. Kingston Fire & Rescue offers the following fire safety tips to follow when cooking:
- Never leave cooking unattended. A stovetop fire can start in a flash - keep close watch on your cooking at all times.
- If a pot catches fire, slide a lid over the pot and turn off the stove. Never put water on a kitchen fire or try to move the pot to the sink. Always call the fire department.
- Wear tight fitting clothing or roll up your sleeves when using the stove to prevent accidental clothing fires.
- A fire extinguisher can be a useful safety item - if you know how to properly operate it. Use a multi-purpose, listed extinguisher on small, contained fires and never allow the fire to get between you and your exit.
- Clear all combustible items such as wooden or plastic cooking utensils, dishcloths, paper towels and pot holders from stove tops. These objects can easily ignite if they come in contact with a burner.
- If you burn yourself, immediately run cool water over the wound for several minutes. If the burn is severe, seek medical attention.
- Deep frying is a major kitchen hazard. Use only thermostatically controlled deep fryers to prevent overheating the oil and the chance of fire.
- Do not overload electrical outlets with appliances. Use heat-producing appliances away from cupboards, curtains, and other combustible items.
- Never attempt to cook while judgement is impaired or if you are under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
- It is the law in Ontario that all residences have working smoke alarms on every level and outside sleeping areas. Test smoke alarms monthly and change batteries when you change your clocks.
