FACTS
--The leading cause of fires in the kitchen is unattended cooking.
--Most cooking fires in the home involve the stovetop.
SAFETY TIPS "COOK WITH CAUTION"
--Be on alert! If you are sleepy or have consumed alcohol don’t use the stove or stovetop.
--Stay in the kitchen while you are frying, grilling, or broiling food. If you leave the kitchen for even a short period of time, turn off the stove.
--If you are simmering, baking, roasting, or boiling food, check it regularly, remain in the home 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, curtains, away from your stovetop.
IF YOU HAVE A COOKING FIRE...
--Just get out! When you leave, close the door behind you to help contain the fire.
--Call 911 Emergency Dispatch 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 stovetop. Leave the pan covered until it is completely cooled.
--For an oven fire turn off the heat and keep the door closed.
COOKING AND KIDS
--Have a "kid-free zone" of at least 3 feet around the stove and areas where hot food or drink is prepared or carried.
All information is referenced from the NFPA Public Education Division. To view this site go to www.NFPA.org/education or click above on Department, then Fire Department, then Useful Links, and then National Fire Protection Agency.