25 Tips for Preventing Kitchen Fire

Kitchen Fire Prevention Tips | As most kitchen fires can be prevented, we have put together 25 tips that should make your cooking a safer experience.

1. Most burn and scald incidents to children happen in the kitchen. Never allow children in the kitchen unsupervised.
2. Keep matches and lighters out of the reach of children. If you need lighters and matches in the kitchen, get childproof ones.
3. Spark devices or heated elements are a safer way of igniting gas appliances.
4. Stay in the kitchen while you are frying, grilling, boiling or broiling food. If you are simmering, baking or roasting food, check it regularly, remain in the kitchen while food is cooking, and use a timer to remind you that you are cooking.
5. Keep an eye on what you fry. If you see wisps of smoke or the oil smells, immediately turn off the burner and/or carefully remove the pan from the burner. Smoke is a danger sign that the oil is too hot. Turn off the heat and leave it to cool. Test the oil/fat temperature by placing a small piece of bread in it. If it crisps quickly the oil/fat is ready.
6. Heat the oil slowly to the temperature you need for frying or sautéing.
7. When Deep Frying, dry the food before you put it in the hot oil to prevent the oil from splashing and burning you.
8. Never fill the pan more than one-third full of oil.
9. Add food gently to the pot or pan so the oil does not splatter
10. Use a thermostatically controlled electric deep-fat fryer. They should not overheat.
11. Always cook with a lid beside your pan.
12. Never move a chip pan/deep fat fryer while it is hot.
13. Turn saucepan handles so they aren’t over another ring an always make sure they don’t stick out from the hob.
14. Keep the oven, hob and grill clean. A build-up of fat and grease can easily catch fire.
15. Clean or replace filters on extractor fans regularly.
16. Don’t put anything metallic inside the microwave.
17. Keep the oven door shut.
18. When you have finished cooking, make sure the cooker is turned off.
19. Turn off the cooker when not in use. Check that the cooker is turned off before going to bed and before you go out.
20. Never use a cooker or an oven for drying clothes (it is hard to believe it but some people do just that!).
21. Never allow electrical cables run across a cooker i.e. electric kettles, toasters etc.
22. Keep anything that can catch fire — oven mitts, towels or curtains , wooden utensils, food packaging etc.— away from your stovetop
23. Gas cookers and boilers need fresh air to work correctly. Never block up vents etc. Good ventilation is also vital if there is a gas leak.
24. Take care if you are wearing loose clothing, it can easily catch fire, especially if there is draft from the open door or window. Take special care with loose clothing when reaching over cookers, particularly with gas rings.
25. Be on alert! If you are sleepy or have consumed alcohol don’t use the stove or oven. Don’t take unnecessary risks!

If a kitchen fire breaks out and you cannot put it out in a couple of seconds, get out and call a fire brigade. If you need help with managing the fire damage claim , call Insurance Claim Solutions. Don’t worry, accidents happen. Our experienced Loss Assessor will help you get a full compensation for your loss.