How to Reduce Your Risk of a Kitchen Fire

Cooking fires are the number one cause of house fires in America. With these tips, you can reduce your risk of a small grease fire destroying your home.

Things You'll Need

• Smoke Detectors
• Pots/Pans with Covers
• Baking Soda
• Fire Extinguisher

Instructions

1. The best prevention of a kitchen fire is simple diligence. If you pay attention while you are cooking, you can keep a small fire from spreading. Always use pots and pans that have correctly sized covers.

2. NEVER wear loose fitting clothing while cooking and pay attention to sleeves or other parts of clothing when having to reach over hot burners.

3. Keep a box of baking soda handy. Do NOT use water, as this will only cause grease and oils to splatter, spreading the fire.

4. There are fire extinguishers specifically rated for kitchen/grease fires. If you purchase one, always keep it between the stove and your exit. You do not want to have to go across the fire to get the extinguisher.

5. Always have working smoke detectors in your home. One in every bedroom and in the main room on each floor. Test them monthly and change the batteries AT LEAST twice a year. Change your clocks, change your batteries.

6. If you find yourself in a situation where the fire has spread, evacuate the house and call 9-1-1 from a neighbor's house.

Tips & Warnings

• Resist the urge to gather valuables when evacuating. Your safety is the most important thing.

• Don't overestimate your firefighting ability. If it gets beyond a small fire in a pot or pan, let the professionals handle it.