The short answer is no, it is not OK to leave stove unattended. Leaving stove unattended can cause serious fire hazards, property damage, and even loss of life. In this article, we will explain why you should never leave stove unattended, what are the risks and consequences of doing so, and how to prevent stove fires and accidents.
Stove is one of the most common sources of home fires in the United States. According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), cooking equipment was involved in almost half (49%) of all reported home fires and 21% of home fire deaths in 2010-2014. Stove fires can start from various reasons, such as:
Overheating oil or grease
Spilling food or liquids on the burner
Leaving flammable items (such as paper towels, oven mitts, or wooden utensils) near the stove
Using faulty or damaged stove or wiring
Forgetting to turn off the stove after cooking
Leaving stove unattended increases the chances of these scenarios happening, as you may not notice the signs of fire or smoke until it is too late. Stove fires can spread quickly and engulf the whole kitchen or even the entire house in flames. Stove fires can also produce toxic smoke and gases, such as carbon monoxide, that can harm your health and cause suffocation.
What are the risks and consequences of leaving stove unattended
Leaving stove unattended can have serious and costly consequences, such as:
Property damage: Stove fires can cause extensive damage to your kitchen appliances, cabinets, countertops, walls, floors, and other belongings. The average cost of a kitchen fire in the US is $23,700.
Injury or death: Stove fires can cause severe burns, smoke inhalation, or other injuries to you, your family members, your pets, or your neighbors. Stove fires can also be fatal, as they account for 21% of home fire deaths in the US.
Legal liability: If your stove fire spreads to other properties or injures other people, you may be held legally responsible for the damages and face lawsuits or criminal charges. You may also lose your insurance coverage or face higher premiums if your stove fire is deemed as negligence or intentional.
How to prevent stove fires and accidents
The best way to prevent stove fires and accidents is to never leave stove unattended. Here are some tips to help you stay safe while cooking:
Stay in the kitchen when you are frying, boiling, grilling, or broiling food. If you have to leave the kitchen for any reason, turn off the stove and remove the cookware from the burner.
Keep a close eye on what you are cooking. Use a timer to remind you of cooking times and check the food regularly for doneness.
Keep your stove and cookware clean and in good condition. Remove any grease or food residue from the stove, burners, and drip pans. Replace any worn or damaged parts, such as knobs, cords, or plugs.
Keep flammable items away from the stove. Do not store or place anything that can catch fire, such as paper towels, oven mitts, wooden utensils, or curtains, near the stove. Also, avoid wearing loose or dangling clothing or jewelry that can come in contact with the stove.
Keep children and pets away from the stove. Do not let them play or run around the kitchen when you are cooking. Use the back burners and turn the pot handles inward to prevent them from reaching or knocking over the cookware.
Have a fire extinguisher and a smoke alarm in the kitchen. Know how to use the fire extinguisher and test the smoke alarm regularly. In case of a stove fire, follow these steps:
If the fire is small and contained, such as in a pan, cover it with a lid or a baking sheet and turn off the stove. Do not use water or flour to put out the fire, as they can make it worse.
If the fire is large or spreading, get out of the kitchen and close the door behind you. Call 911 and alert your family members or neighbors. Do not try to fight the fire yourself, as you may put yourself in danger.
Leaving stove unattended is a risky and irresponsible behavior that can cause serious fire hazards, property damage, and even loss of life. You should always stay in the kitchen and pay attention to what you are cooking. You should also keep your stove and cookware clean and in good condition, keep flammable items away from the stove, keep children and pets away from the stove, and have a fire extinguisher and a smoke alarm in the kitchen. By following these simple tips, you can prevent stove fires and accidents and enjoy a safe and delicious meal.
