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12 tips to prevent kitchen fires

Burning dinner can be something to laugh about. A burning kitchen? Not so much. More fires start in the kitchen than in any room of the house.¹ Which makes sense, since that’s where the grease and open flames and oil and high temps and electrical appliances are. We can’t help you with dinner, but we can help you keep your kitchen fire-free. These 12 safety tips are a place to start.

1. Never leave a hot range top unattended. If you’re called away from the kitchen for any reason, turn it off until you return.
2. Use a timer. Kitchens can be chaotic and it’s easy to lose track of time when the stove, oven or range is on.
3. Keep anything flammable away from your range top. Wooden utensils, oven mitts, recipe cards and food packaging can quickly ignite with a flame or even just a hot burner.
4. Clean your cooking surfaces. Be sure to remove crumbs, grease, and other food debris.
5. Don’t use extension cords. Plug all appliances directly into electrical outlets. 
6. Inspect appliance power cords. Replace any that seem cracked or frayed.
7. Unplug small appliances. Mixers, toasters, air fryers, sandwich makers, blenders, griddles, coffee makers—when they’re not in use, make sure they’re not plugged in.
8. Check it one more time. Before going to bed or leaving the house, doublecheck to make sure your stove and range are turned off.
9. Learn how to use a fire extinguisher. Keep one in your kitchen and check it often to make sure it’s charged.
10. Never douse a grease fire with water. This will only spread the flames. Instead, cover any burning pans with a lid, turn off the burner, and let it cool until the fire burns out. Or, use baking soda or a chemical fire extinguisher to put out the flames.
11. Install smoke detectors near your kitchen. Putting them near bedrooms and bathrooms is a good idea too. Test them each month and replace batteries at least once a year.
12. Consider smart smoke detectors. Stay connected to your kitchen wherever you are. If it detects smoke or fire, a smart device can notify you right away, right on your phone. Some can even detect carbon monoxide and self-test for proper functioning and battery life. 

For informational use only. Not applicable to all situations.

1 https://www.nfpa.org/education-and-research/research/nfpa-research/fire-statistical-reports/home-cooking-fires