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PDF requires adobe acrobat pdf reader. download Cooking Fires return to main fire prevention page | home Never leave cooking unattended. A serious fire can start in just seconds. Always wear short, tight-fitting sleeves when cooking. Turn pot handles inward to avoid spills. Always use a potholder when reaching for handles. Keep towels, pot holders and curtains away from flames and hot surfaces. Clean cooking surfaces regularly to prevent grease buildup which can ignite. If a fire breaks out while cooking, put a lid on the pan to smother it. You may also use baking soda. Never throw water on a grease fire. Heat oil gradually to avoid burns from spattering grease. Use extra caution when preparing deep-fried foods. Place a rubber mat on the floor in front of your stove to give you added traction in case liquids or grease spill. Never use the range or oven to heat your home. In addition to being a fire hazard, toxic fumes may leak into your home. Double-check the kitchen before you go to bed or leave the house. Make sure all other appliances are turned off. Install a smoke alarm on every level of your home. Test the batteries every month, and change them once a year.

Did you know? Eighty percent of all fire deaths occur in the home. Cooking is the leading cause of home fires in the U.S. It is also the leading cause of fire injuries. Deaths due to fires caused by cooking are particularly avoidable. Having a working smoke alarm more than doubles one’s chances of surviving a fire.