Cooking Safety
Prevent Kitchen Fires Before They Start
Cooking can be a fun and relaxing way to bring family and friends together. However, cooking is the leading cause of home fires and fire-related injuries. Most cooking fires start on the stove and often happen when food is left unattended. Follow these simple steps to help reduce risk in your home.
Stay Alert While Cooking
- Stay in the kitchen when frying, boiling, grilling, or broiling food.
- If you leave the kitchen, even for a short time, turn off the stove.
- When simmering, baking, or roasting, check food often and stay inside the home.
- Use a timer to remind you that food is cooking.
- If you are sleepy or have been drinking alcohol, do not use the stove or stovetop.
- Create a “kid-free zone” of at least 3 feet around the stove and areas where hot food or drinks are prepared or carried.
- Keep oven mitts, wooden utensils, food packaging, towels, and curtains away from the stovetop.
- Keep the area around burners and heating elements clear.
Quick Actions to Reduce Injury and Damage
- For larger fires or if you are unsure about fighting it:
- Get out right away and close the door behind you to help contain the fire.
- Call 911 or your local emergency number from outside the home.
- For a small grease fire you feel comfortable handling:
- Slide a lid over the pan to smother the flames and turn off the burner.
- Leave the pan covered until it is completely cool.
- For an oven fire, turn off the heat and keep the oven door closed.
What To Do If You Get a Cooking Burn or Cut
Minor burns and cuts can happen in the kitchen. Quick action can help reduce the risk of infection and prevent the injury from getting worse. Seek medical care for serious injuries or if you are unsure what to do.
For a Minor Burn
- Cool the burn under clean, running water for 10 to 20 minutes.
- Remove rings or tight items before swelling starts.
- Cover loosely with a clean, dry bandage.
- Do not use ice, butter, or grease, and do not break blisters.
For a Minor Cut
- Apply steady pressure to stop bleeding.
- Rinse with clean water.
- Apply a thin layer of antibiotic ointment if available.
- Cover with a clean bandage.
Get Medical Care
Seek medical care if the burn is large, very painful, or looks severe or if bleeding will not stop, the cut is deep, or you notice signs of infection.