How to Handle the Heat, be Safe in the Kitchen!

Did you know that cooking is the leading cause of residential fires in Ontario? The most common type of kitchen fire is a grease fire. A grease fire is extremely dangerous as it can get out of control quickly and spread from the stove throughout the kitchen and into other rooms of the house. Many grease fires occur because of an unattended frying pan on the stove. The Collingwood Fire Department wants to stress the importance of cooking safety. Cooking with friends, family, and/or alone can be enjoyable or a chore but whatever the situation, remember these safety tips to keep you and others around you safe:

• Always wear oven mitts when handling hot objects 
• Keep combustibles a safe distance from your stove 
• Keep flammable items away from your stove
• When cooking stay in the kitchen and pay attention 
• Avoid cooking when you are tired or under the influence
• Always make sure the stove is turned off when you leave the kitchen or your home
• Do not wear loose clothing while cooking
• Have a kid/pet free zone (3 feet/ 1metre) around the stove while cooking
• Never leave your stove unattended when cooking

Following these safety tips will help reduce the chances of a cooking fire occurring. Unfortunately, even when precautions are taken, accidents happen so it’s important to know what to do in case a fire does occur. If a fire occurs, get out immediately and stay out!  If you can, close the door behind you to help contain the fire and call 9-1-1 from a safe area outside.

When you are cooking with oil, make sure to always have a lid nearby should a fire occur; you can slide the lid over the pan or pot to contain the fire and smother it. Turn the stove off and leave the pan or pot covered till it is completely cooled.

If a fire occurs in your oven, turn the oven off and keep the door closed. This allows the fire to burn out on its own.

Microwave ovens are generally safe appliances, but if you accidentally place a twist-tie or other piece of metal inside a microwave, “arcing” may occur and pose a danger. In case of a microwave fire, unplug the appliance and do not open its door until the flames are out.

Considering purchasing a fire extinguisher? Fire extinguishers are designed to put out small fires. Consider getting an extinguisher and keeping it accessible somewhere in or very close to the kitchen. When using a fire extinguisher, make sure you have a clear way to get out and everyone is already outside. Never put the fire between yourself and your way out.  Remember, your priority is to GET OUT and STAY OUT, then call 9-1-1.

Cooking can be a fun activity to do with your kids but keeping them safe needs to be a number one priority. The first step for keeping your children safe is keeping them away from the stove or making a “kids-free zone” keeping them at least 3ft from the stove when cooking. Additional safety measures include:

• Making sure electrical cords are not dangling from the countertops, where they could get pulled over by small children
• Always ensure pot or pan handles face the back of the stove and use backburners whenever possible to keep them out of reach of children 
• Making sure hot objects, liquids, and foods are in the center of the counter or towards the back to keep them out of reach of children

There’s always a possibility of something unexpected happening, so if you or a child comes in contact with a hot object, liquid, or food, you’ll need to know how to treat a burn quickly and effectively. 

1. Cool the Burn: Run cool water over the burn for 3-5 minutes as this will help stop the burning process and will decrease pain and swelling. 
2. Cover and Protect the Burn: Cover the burned area with a clean bandage that will not stick and will keep the area clean and protected to reduce the chances of infection. 
3. Seek Medical Attention: If you think the burn is too severe to treat it on your own, seek medical attention. 

The most important way to keep you and your family/friends safe within the home is ensuring you have a working smoke alarms on every level of the home and within three meters of all sleeping areas. Have an escape plan. If you’re cooking and the smoke alarm sounds just from regular cooking and there is no fire, open the door or window and fan the area. DO NOT disable the smoke alarm or take out the batteries.

Reduce your chances of having a cooking fire, ensure you know what to do if a cooking fire occurs, and provide ways to keep your children safe in the kitchen. For more information contact the Collingwood Fire Dept. Fire Prevention Division at 705-445-3920.