Everyone who uses their kitchen to prepare meals can benefit from practicing kitchen fire safety. Approximately 50% of fires in the home happen when people leave their cooking unattended. So what can you do to make sure that this doesn’t happen to you? You can practice fire safety in the kitchen. By taking action against the prevention of fires in the kitchen, you can reduce them from occurring.

How to Practice Kitchen Fire Safety

One of the most common kitchen fires takes place on the stove. Hot oil is especially dangerous. Make sure to have lids that fit securely on top of pans when cooking. Never throw water on an oil fire. Water causes the oil to expand and it will explode. You can use a fire blanket or flour to extinguish a fire caused from hot oil. A good way to practice kitchen fire safety is to only allow children to cook whenever an adult is present. If they do like to cook always, make sure that an adult is present at all times. Make sure to cover hands with an oven mitt when handling hot pans or anything that is being cooked on the oven.

An excellent way to practice fire safety in the kitchen is by fireproofing many items. Flame-retardants can be used to coat the coffee maker and toaster. Often coffee makers electrical components are made of plastic, which can catch on fire when they become overheated. Make sure to turn off the coffee pot when it is not used. This can prevent it from becoming overheated and catching on fire. Make sure to keep the toaster clean. Empty all crumbs left inside. When there is an accumulation of crumbs from toast or bagels, they can easily catch on fire. Also, remember to keep the toaster away from other electrical appliances. Unplug it when it is not being used.

Microwave ovens often contain polymer parts inside. The electrical circuit cords may also be covered with plastic casings. If these components are not treated, these can catch on fire. When reheating an item, always make sure that every single bit of aluminum foil is removed. Aluminum foil when heated inside a microwave can cause the microwave to overheat and catch on fire. Even the smallest amount of aluminum foil left in the microwave when it is heating can have disastrous effects.

Kitchen fire safety is practical and everyone in the household can participate. By making sure, that all appliances are in good working condition can also help prevent fires from occurring. You should also be present in the kitchen whenever you cook or bake. Keeping a watchful eye on the items you are cooking can help you extinguish a fire before it gets out of control. Always make sure to follow safety guidelines in the kitchen. Knowing how to extinguish a hot oil fire can prevent the fire from destroying your home. Using flame-retardants to coat items in the kitchen is a great way to take action in the prevention of kitchen fires. Microwave ovens can also be dangerous. Make sure to cover all electrical parts with fireproof treatment. Never put aluminum foil inside the microwave. Even the smallest amount left inside when the microwave is in use can have catastrophic affects. Follow these helpful guidelines to practice kitchen fire safety.