How to Keep Your Kitchen Safe From Fire Hazards

The kitchen is one room that has many fire hazards. The oven, electrical appliances, and a hot stove can all be very dangerous if you don't take safety measures in the kitchen. Go over these simple steps with your family members to avoid an unnecessary fire.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Surge Protectors
• Smoke Detectors
• Smoke Detectors
• Fire Extinguishers
• Fire Extinguishers
• Combination Smoke/carbon Monoxide Detectors

1. Check all the electrical wires and cords of appliances you use in the kitchen. This includes toasters, blenders, coffeemakers, espresso machines, electric mixers, and electric clocks. Make sure cords are not frayed.

2. Avoid using extension cords - use junction boxes with built-in ground fault interrupters (GFIs) instead. If there is a surge or short in the appliance, wiring or plug, the GFI will shut down the power.

3. Dispose of any broken electrical appliances.

4. Put a childproof lock on your oven.

5. Make sure to turn off burners as soon as you take the pot off.

6. Avoid loose sleeves and sweaters while cooking over a stove. The excess material could catch fire. Likewise, keep oven mitts and dish towels away from stove area.

7. Make sure to keep matches and lighters out of the hands of children. Put them in high places where tiny hands can't get to them.

8. Avoid using candles in the kitchen. If you choose to use them, place candles in safe, non-flammable holders and extinguish them when you leave the room.

9. Make sure curtains and furniture don't block any heater vents.

10. Keep a fire extinguisher in the kitchen, but avoid placing it near the stove, where a potential fire could break out. You want to be able to grab the extinguisher in the event of a fire.

11. Take extra precautions when cooking with oil. Should a fire break out on the stove, keep all lids on pots and don't attempt to take pot off stove. Call 911.

Tips & Warnings

• If your oven catches on fire, leave it closed and call 911.
• Turn all pot handles in - toward the stove - so that little hands cannot reach up and pull down hot pots.
• Teach children to stay away from the stove and oven while you're cooking.
• Avoid keeping sweets such as candy and cookies over or near the stove, where a young child might be tempted to climb up and get them.
• Unplug appliances when they are not in use.
• Never leave the kitchen when you are cooking - especially if cooking with oil on the stove.

[GilinAtlanta]

on 4/6/2009 Point number six is worth noting. Hollywood as made some similar videos appear humorous but severe burns are no laughing matter. The anonymous respondent here has offered some good information as well.

[HOTTHING08]

on 1/26/2007 THIS WAS A VERY GOOD SITE FOR WHAT I WAS LOOKING FOR KEEP IT GOING AND MAYBE DO ONE ON FOOD BORNE ILLNESSES

on 1/13/2006 I decided to steam some vegetables and only put in 4 inches of water in my pot. Be sure to put plenty of water in the pot. After 30 minutes I went to check on it and the metal at the bottom of my pot was expanding into giant bubbles. It looked cool, but probably could have started a fire. I guess this is common sense, but be careful.

on 11/22/2005 Keep a properly fitting lid handy when cooking with oil or grease. If there is a fire, turn off the heat, slide the lid on and remove the pot from the heat (preferably to an unused, cool burner or insulated hot pad). This removes the oxygen and suffocates the fire. Let the pot cool for a few minutes to avoid re-ignition when opening.

on 11/22/2005 Never use oil for frying in a pressure cooker! The seal will deteriorate and can cause the lid to blow off causing bodily harm or fire.