Stove safety tips are essential to prevent kitchen fires and burns, which are among the most common and dangerous hazards in the home. According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), cooking is the leading cause of home fires and home fire injuries in the United States, accounting for 49% of all reported home fires and 44% of home fire injuries in 2019. Moreover, the NFPA reports that unattended cooking is the most common factor in these incidents, followed by flammable items such as clothing, paper, or oil being too close to the stove. Therefore, it is important to follow some basic stove safety tips to avoid these risks and keep your kitchen safe and clean.
The first and most important stove safety tip is to never leave your cooking unattended. Whether you are boiling water, frying eggs, or simmering sauce, you should always stay in the kitchen and watch your food closely. If you have to leave the kitchen for any reason, even for a few seconds, turn off the stove or take the pot or pan off the heat. You can also use a timer or an alarm to remind you of your cooking, especially if you are preparing something that takes a long time to cook, such as a roast or a casserole.
Keep Flammable Items Away from the Stove
Another key stove safety tip is to keep flammable items away from the stove. This includes clothing, towels, oven mitts, paper, plastic, wooden utensils, and anything else that can catch fire easily. You should also avoid wearing loose or dangling sleeves, jewelry, or hair that can come in contact with the stove or the flame. Additionally, you should keep your stovetop and oven clean and free of grease, oil, crumbs, and food debris that can ignite and cause a fire.
Using the right cookware and utensils is also essential for stove safety. You should always use pots and pans that are suitable for the type of stove you have, whether it is gas, electric, or induction. For example, you should not use metal pots or pans on an induction stove, as they can damage the surface and interfere with the heating. You should also use pots and pans that are the right size for the burner or element, and avoid using oversized or warped cookware that can tip over or spill. Furthermore, you should use utensils that are heat-resistant and non-flammable, such as metal or silicone, and avoid using plastic or wooden utensils that can melt or burn.
Turn the Handles Inward
A simple but effective stove safety tip is to turn the handles of your pots and pans inward, away from the edge of the stove. This can prevent accidental spills, burns, or fires caused by someone bumping into or grabbing the handle. This is especially important if you have children or pets in the house, who may be curious or playful around the stove. You should also keep the handles away from other burners or elements that are on, as they can heat up and cause burns.
Use the Back Burners
Another stove safety tip is to use the back burners of your stove whenever possible, and keep the front burners off or on low heat. This can reduce the risk of reaching over a hot burner or element and getting burned, or of spilling or splattering hot liquids or oil onto yourself or the stove. This is also a good practice if you have children or pets in the house, as they may not be able to reach the back burners as easily as the front ones.
One of the most important stove safety tips is to keep a fire extinguisher handy in the kitchen, and know how to use it properly. A fire extinguisher can help you put out a small fire quickly and safely, before it spreads and causes more damage or injury. You should choose a fire extinguisher that is rated for Class B fires, which involve flammable liquids such as oil, grease, or gasoline. You should also check the expiration date and the pressure gauge of your fire extinguisher regularly, and replace it if it is expired or low on pressure. To use a fire extinguisher, remember the acronym PASS:
Pull the pin to unlock the lever.
Aim the nozzle at the base of the fire, not the flames.
Squeeze the lever to release the extinguishing agent.
Sweep the nozzle from side to side until the fire is out.
Know What to Do in Case of a Fire
Finally, you should know what to do in case of a fire in the kitchen, and act quickly and calmly. Here are some general guidelines to follow:
If the fire is small and contained, such as in a pot or pan, you can try to smother it with a lid, a baking sheet, or a metal cookie sheet. Do not use water, as it can cause the fire to spread or create a steam explosion. Do not use flour, baking powder, or other powders, as they can create a dust explosion. Do not use a wet towel, as it can create steam and burn you. Do not move the pot or pan, as it can spill and spread the fire.
If the fire is in the oven, you can try to turn off the oven and keep the door closed. This can deprive the fire of oxygen and help it die out. Do not open the door, as it can cause the fire to flare up or spread. Do not use water, as it can create steam and damage the oven. Do not use a fire extinguisher, as it can damage the oven and create toxic fumes.
If the fire is in the microwave, you can try to turn off the microwave and unplug it. Do not open the door, as it can cause the fire to flare up or spread. Do not use water, as it can damage the microwave and create steam. Do not use a fire extinguisher, as it can damage the microwave and create toxic fumes.
If the fire is large or out of control, you should get out of the kitchen and call 911. Do not try to fight the fire yourself, as it can be dangerous and ineffective. Do not use water, as it can cause the fire to spread or create a steam explosion. Do not use a fire extinguisher, as it may not be enough to put out the fire. Do not try to save your belongings, as they are not worth your life. Do not go back into the kitchen, as it may be too hot or smoky.
Stove safety tips are essential to prevent kitchen fires and burns, which are among the most common and dangerous hazards in the home. By following some basic stove safety tips, such as keeping an eye on your cooking, keeping flammable items away from the stove, using the right cookware and utensils, turning the handles inward, using the back burners, keeping a fire extinguisher handy, and knowing what to do in case of a fire, you can avoid these risks and keep your kitchen safe and clean. Remember, prevention is better than cure, and a little caution can go a long way.
