Home Cooking Fire Safety

5/14/2020 (Permalink)

Don't let your cooking get out of control

Cooking at home more frequently lately?

With the turn of events in the world and the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, we are being asked to abide by the stay at home orders. That means the majority of us are now cooking from home. And that maybe something we are not used to doing.  Cooking fires can easily start and quickly get out of control. Please read these valuable cooking safety tips and statistics provided by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA). www.nfpa.org

What you should know about home cooking safety?

• Be on alert! If you are sleepy or have consumed alcohol, don’t use the stove or stove-top.
• Stay in the kitchen while you are frying, grilling, boiling, or broiling food.
• If you are simmering, baking, or roasting food, check it regularly, remain in the kitchen while food is cooking, and use a timer to remind you that you are cooking.
• Keep anything that can catch fire — oven mitts, wooden utensils, food packaging, towels or curtains — away from your stove-top.
• If you have a cooking fire, Just get out! When you leave, close the door behind you to help contain the fire.
• Be sure to call 9-1-1 or the local emergency number after you leave.
• If you try to fight the fire, be sure others are getting out and you have a clear way out.
• 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 stove-top. Leave the pan covered until it is completely cooled.
• For an oven fire, turn off the heat and keep the door closed.

Frying foods on the stove-top tends to be dangerous and have additional safety precautions to consider.

• Always stay in the kitchen when frying on the stove-top.
• Keep an eye on what you fry. If you see wisps of smoke or the oil smells, immediately turn off the burner and/or carefully remove the pan from the burner. Smoke is a danger sign that the oil is too hot.
• Heat the oil slowly to the temperature you need for frying or sauteing.
• Add food gently to the pot or pan so the oil does not splatter.
• Always cook with a lid beside your pan. If you have a fire, slide the lid over the pan and turn off the burner. Do not remove the cover because the fire could start again. Let the pan cool for a long time. Never throw water or use a fire extinguisher on the fire.

If the fire does not go out or you don’t feel comfortable sliding a lid over the pan, get everyone out of your home. And be sure to call the fire department from outside. When the fire is out and your family is safe, then it’s time for cleanup to begin. That is when SERVPRO of North Cabarrus County and China Grove can help. Please contact our office and we will assist you in taking the right steps to restoring your property and belongings. 704-939-1944.