Every day we are in the kitchen preparing meals. To make sure this time goes safely, here are some tips to protect yourself and your family from fire in the house while cooking.
* Install a smoke alarm near your kitchen, hallway and bedrooms. Check it every month. Replace all batteries at least once a year if your smoke detector requires it.
* Consider purchasing a fire extinguisher to keep in your kitchen. Always handy to have at hand.
* Do not wear loose clothing or sleeves that hang down while cooking.
* When roasting, grilling or frying, never leave it unattended – stay in the kitchen.
* If you are simmering, baking, roasting or frying, check this regularly.
* Use a timer to remind yourself that the stove or oven is on.
* Keep children and pets away from the cooking zone. Keep them at least three meters away from the stove.
* Keep anything that can burn – oven mitts, wooden utensils, paper or plastic bags, food packaging or towels – away from the stove, oven or any other appliance in the kitchen that produces heat.
* Clean cooking surfaces regularly to prevent grease build-up.
*Always check the kitchen before going to bed or out of the house to make sure everything is turned off.
