Cooking with Caution
Prevent Cooking Fires - Watch What You Heat
Kitchens can be a dangerous area in the home and account for a high number of fires and injuries. In fact, cooking fires are the leading cause of residential fires and injuries in the nation. Three in 10 reported home fires start in the kitchen - more than any other place in the home.
Extinguishing Grease Fires
Built up grease catches fire easily. Wipe appliance surfaces after spills and clean stove surfaces, ovens and appliances regularly. An appropriate sized lid should be kept near the stove to cover and smother any grease fire contained in a pan. Baking soda can also be used. Never use water to extinguish a grease fire
Cooking Tips
- Don't leave the kitchen with something cooking on the stove
- Don't cook if you are drowsy or feeling the effects of alcohol, medication or other drugs
- Roll up your sleeves and don't wear loose fitting clothing. If your clothes catch on fire, stop, drop and roll until the fire is out.
- Clean cooking equipment regularly to remove grease or cooking materials that can ignite.
Test your smoke alarms
Make sure they're working so that if a fire does start you'll have the early warning necessary for everyone to exit the home quickly. Sit down with the whole family and work out an escape plan. Everyone needs to know how to get out of the house if a fire starts. Be sure to designate a meeting place outside the house where everyone can gather once they're out. Check the cords to any electrical heaters you have to make sure that they're not frayed or worn and be sure that all other heating appliances are in good working order.
More information
The Rochester Fire Department will host and participate in many activities during Fire Prevention Week, and we'd like to talk to you about fire prevention and safety. If you live in the city and would like a home or business safety inspection, please call us at (585) 428-7037 or send an email to fireweb@cityofrochester.gov for details on who can inspect your property.