Cooking Fire Safety

Stay fire smart.... in the kitchen!!

Did you know that unattended cooking is the number one cause of home fires?

Most kitchen fires occur because…

• People left the kitchen to do another chore such as laundry.
• Distracted by phone call.
• Doorbell rang and forgot about food on the stove.
• The children needed attention.
• "I laid down for just a moment".
• Catching up on reading.

Know the hazards in your kitchen…

• For grease fires… slide a lid on the burning pan and turn off the heat control switch.  Never pour water onto a grease fire.
• Keep your stove clean from grease and oil.
• Keep pot handles turned inward.
• Keep toddlers and their toys out of the kitchen.
• Make sure electrical cords are in good working condition and secured over the countertop.  Never overload electrical circuits.
• Wear clothing that is fitted while cooking.
• Keep snacks and treats stored in areas other than above the stove.

What to do if there is a fire in your kitchen…

• Pan fire… slide a lid onto the pan and turn off the heat source
• Store a fire extinguisher away from the cooking area… and know how to use it
• Keep a pot holder handy… and use it while handling hot pots
• For fire in the oven or microwave, close the door turn the power off, and open doors and windows to ventilate
• If you are in danger at anytime, alert others in the home, exit the home and to to your special meeting place.  Call 911 from a neighbour's house.

For more information, please call Central York Fire Services at 905-895-9222