Fire Prevention Week is October 8 -14, 2023. It is an essential time to reflect on the safety measures we take in our homes, particularly in the kitchen. Cooking is one of the leading causes of house fires, sparking more than 150,000 fires every year, injuring thousands and killing hundreds in the process. This fact might seem surprising, but when you consider the heat, flammable materials, and often distracted cooks in a kitchen, it’s a recipe for potential disaster. Let’s discuss practical ways to keep your loved ones and yourself safe when cooking or baking.
One of the simplest ways to prevent kitchen fires is to stay in the kitchen while cooking. If you need to leave, even for a short period, turn off the stove. It’s easy to get distracted and forget that you left something on the burner.
Tea towels, oven mitts, paper towels–these everyday items can quickly catch fire if they come into contact with a hot stove. Keep a clear space around your stovetop and oven, and always check the area for loose items before cooking.
If you’re tired, have taken medication that makes you drowsy, or have consumed alcohol, it’s better to avoid cooking until you have recovered. Drowsiness can lead to carelessness, and that’s when accidents happen.
A pot handle hanging over the edge of the stovetop is an accident (and possible fire) waiting to happen. Turn the pot handles inward toward the back of the stove to keep your kids or yourself from bumping them accidentally.
A fire extinguisher in the kitchen could make the difference between a minor incident and a devastating house fire. Keep one close. Know where it is and how to use it, and check regularly to ensure it’s in good working order.
Grease fires are common when cooking, especially if the food gets too hot. If a small fire occurs in a pan or a baking dish, you may be able to extinguish it before things get out of control. Either way, the goal is to deprive the fire of heat and oxygen.
If you or someone you love is injured in a cooking fire that was caused by someone’s negligence, you may be eligible to receive compensation to cover your losses. Call our offices to schedule an appointment with one of our personal injury attorneys.
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