As the weather gets cooler and the holidays approach, family and friends gather in the kitchen to spend quality time together. While this space is one of the most social areas in the home, it can also be the most dangerous.
In fact, cooking is of the leading causes of home fires, according to the Canadian Association of Fire Chiefs. They share tips to help you stay safe and know what to do if a kitchen fire starts.
Arm yourself properly
- Install a photoelectric smoke alarm, which can detect the smoldering fire.
- Replace batteries at least once a year and make sure to use trusted batteries like Duracell.
- Equip your kitchen with a fire extinguisher and know how to use it.
Tips to prevent kitchen fires
- Always stay in the kitchen while cooking.
- Keep the stove and surrounding areas clear of items such as dish towels, pot holders and aprons.
- Heat oil slowly over moderate heat.
- Turn cooking devices off as soon as you have finished with them.
What to do in case of a kitchen fire
- Always keep a lid nearby and slide it over the pot to smother the flames.
- Never pour water on a grease fire. It will cause it to flare up and spread. Never discharge a multi-purpose fire extinguisher onto a pan fire, as this can cause a fire to spread.
- If there’s a fire in a microwave or oven, keep the door closed and turn the power source off immediately.
- When in doubt, just get out. Call 911 or the local emergency number after you leave.
“We encourage everyone to take fire safety seriously by practicing safe cooking,” says Chief John McKearney, president of CAFC. “Your first line of defence is a working smoke alarm, so remember to install fresh Duracell batteries in your smoke alarm at least once a year.”
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