The kitchen can pose many safety hazards, especially fires when using electrical and gas appliances. The following are some general tips to ensure your kitchen is a safe environment.
- Put a lid on it! Always keep a large lid near the stove when you are cooking. If a pot catches fire, slide the lid over the pot and turn off the stove. Never put water on a burning pot or try to move the pot to the sink.
- Keep an eye on your frying. Never leave cooking unattended, particularly if you are using oil or high temperatures. A stovetop fire can start in a flash, so keep a close eye on your cooking at all times.
- Do not reach over a hot burner. Wear tight-fitting or rolled-up sleeves when cooking.
- Fight or flight? A fire extinguisher is a useful safety item only if you know how to use it. Use a multi-purpose listed extinguisher that is right for your kitchen. Fire extinguishers must only be used on small, contained fires. Never allow the fire to get between you and your exit.
- Clear the clutter. Combustible items, such as wooden or plastic cooking utensils, dishcloths, paper towels and pot holders, can easily ignite if they are too close to a burner. Keep all combustible items a safe distance from your stove.
- Cool a burn. If you experience a kitchen burn, immediately run cool water over the wound for several minutes. The water will prevent further burning and relieve the pain. If the burn is severe, seek medical attention.
- Prevent fire: use a fryer. Deep fat frying is a major kitchen hazard. Oil heated in a pot on the stove can easily overheat and burst into flames. Fire departments recommend that you use only a thermostatically-controlled deep fat fryer.
- Snooze-you lose. Many night time fires are caused by people attempting to cook while under the influence of alcohol. Do not let this happen in your home. Keep a close eye on drinkers and install a smoke alarm on every level of your home.
- Test your smoke alarms. According to Ontario law, all residences must have working smoke alarms. Install a smoke alarm on every level of your home and near bedrooms. Test your smoke alarms every month and change the batteries at least once a year.