Should You Worry About Kitchen Fires?

4/5/2021 (Permalink)

Unattended Kitchen Fire

According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), cooking accidents resulting in fires are the #1 reason for house fires in the US. It is estimated that around 189,300 home structure fires started each year due to cooking between 2016 and 2018.  The leading cause of fires in the kitchen is unattended cooking.

It is more than clear by the above mentioned that Kitchen Fires are not to be taken lightly. Safety tips recommended to prevent a Kitchen fire are:

• Don’t leave your pan. If you have to leave the kitchen, turn the burner off.
• Pay attention. Fires start when heat is too high. If you see smoke, turn the burner off.
• Pot handles should be turned toward the back of the stove so that no one can bump them or pull them over.
• Make sure flammables are away from cooktop. Keep oven mitts, wooden utensils, food packaging, towels or curtains away.
• Keep a pan lid or baking sheet nearby because you can use it to cover the pan if it catches on fire which will put out the fire.

In the event of a kitchen fire:

• Just get out! When you leave, close the door behind you to help contain the fire.
• Call 9-1-1 after you leave.
• If you try to fight the fire, be sure others are getting out and you have a clear way out.

Lastly, if you need help because of fire damage, SERVPRO®‌ ‌of‌ ‌Charles‌ ‌County‌ ‌and‌ ‌SERVPRO®‌ ‌of‌ Oxon‌ ‌Hill‌ are here to help 24 x 7 at (301)‌ ‌753-8313.