Each year, thousands of Canadians are devastated by house fires.

In just minutes, a fire can destroy an entire home and all belongings within it. Not only can fires destroy property, they can claim lives. Planning and prevention are essential to keeping your loved ones, your home, and your belongings safe. Just a few proactive measures can make a huge difference. Don’t wait until it’s too late!

Did you know cooking is the #1 cause of home fires and home fire injuries?

According to the NFPA (National Fire Prevention Association), 49% of house fires are started in the kitchen. While fire hazards can be found in all parts of your home, they are particularly common in the kitchen. Without further adieu, let’s dive into our 15 kitchen-related fire safety tips!

1. If wearing long sleeves, roll them up. Loose clothing can come into contact with a gas flame or electric burner which could cause it to catch fire.
2. Keep any items that could catch fire a fair distance away from the stove/oven. Clutter around your stove-top is a recipe for disaster.
3. Keep a fire extinguisher in a quick, easy to reach place in your kitchen.
4. Do not leave the kitchen while cooking. The leading cause of kitchen fires is unattended cooking!
5. If you are baking something in the oven, do not leave the house. If you leave the kitchen, make sure you check on the oven regularly.
6. Always make sure you have turned off the oven or stove-top immediately after you have finished using it. Get into the habit of turning the oven/stove off before removing your food to make sure you won’t get distracted and forget to do so.
7. Use a timer when cooking to ensure you don’t forget about your food.

8. If you have kids, teach them about fire/kitchen safety and designate a “kid free zone” within 3 feet of the stove.
9. Always ensure handles to pots and pans are facing inward. A handle hanging over the edge of the stove can be easily knocked over by accident.
10. If you’re sleepy or you’ve had a few drinks, don’t cook! Order delivery instead!
11. Keep electrical cords away from your sink and stove top.
12. Never overload electrical sockets or power bars and check all appliances for damaged cords. If exposed wires are visible, replace the cord or appliance immediately.
13. In the event of an oven or microwave fire, turn off the appliance and keep the door closed until the fire goes out and it has fully cooled down inside. Keeping the door closed will smother the flames.
14. In the event of a grease fire, do not attempt to use water to put it out. Instead cover it with a lid, (which should be kept nearby) or smother it using a metal baking sheet. Baking soda or salt can also be used to extinguish a grease fire. Do not use a fire extinguisher unless it’s a B-Class dry chemical fire extinguisher.
15. If you can’t immediately put a fire out and it starts to grow uncontrollably, call 911 and get everyone out of the house.

With the proper care, planning, and awareness, you can greatly reduce the risk of a fire starting in your kitchen. As long you remember to use these 15 tips, potential disaster can be easily avoided. Stay safe and stay tuned to our blog for more fire safety tips in the future!