You’ve likely heard the joke that goes, “I can always tell when my wife’s cooking is done because the fire alarm goes off”. But fire is no joke. And most home fires do begin in the kitchen. So remember, the best way to prevent a kitchen fire is to stay near the stove whenever you are cooking something – especially when frying. Also, keep your stove and oven clean. Move anything that can burn at least three feet away from the heat.
But if the worst does happen, here’s what you should do, according to homesafetycouncil.org:
For Pan Fires:
- If you have a small pan fire on the stove, put on an oven mitt.
- Carefully slide a cookie sheet over the pan. A lid can also be used. This cuts off the oxygen and allows the fire to go down.
- Turn off the heat at the burner.
- Leave the pan covered and in place. Do not try to move it!
- Let the pan cool down before you take away the cookie sheet or lid.
For Oven Fires:
- Turn off the heat and keep the door closed.
- Call the fire department so that firefighters can check for possible flame spread.
Toaster Oven or Microwave Fires:
- Turn off the heat and keep the door closed.
- Unplug the appliance if you can safely reach the outlet.
- Call the fire department to report the fire.
- Have the appliance serviced before you use it again or replace it.
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