Cooking Safety Tips

Cooking fires is one of the leading causes of fires and fire injuries.  Ranges or cooktop cause 49% of home fires according to the National Fire Protection Association. By taking steps to proof your kitchen you can help prevent fires.

 Learn How To Stay Safe With These Few Tips: 

  • NEVER leave the kitchen while cooking
  • NEVER cook while sleepy, drinking alcohol, or taking medications that makes you drowsy
  • NEVER disable a smoke alarm while cooking.  Make sure your home has working smoke alarms on every level, inside each sleeping room and outside the sleeping areas. When the smoke alarm sounds, get out of the house, and stay out.
  • NEVER use a cooking stove to heat your home
  • Keep anything that can catch fire away from your stovetop
  • Always unplug countertop appliances when not in use
  • Make sure you have, and test, GFCI (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters) receptacles in your kitchen to prevent shock and electrocution
  • Double check that everything is off when you finish
  • Prevent fires by keeping your oven and stove top clean of grease and dust

 If You Have a Cooking Fire:

 Just get out!   When you leave, close the door behind you to help contain the fire

  • After you leave Call 9-1-1 or the local emergency number 
  • Keep a lid nearby when you’re cooking to smother small grease fires.  Smother the fire by sliding the lid over the pan and turn off the stovetop.  Leave the pan covered until its completely cooled.
  • For an oven fire, turn off the heat and keep the door closed
  • If you try to fight the fire, be sure others are getting out and you have a clear way out

Additional Resources:

 NFPA Cooking Safety Sheet

How To Get Cooking Safety Messages Out To Your Community

Be Fire-Safe In The Kitchen

Grilling Safety Sheet