Out of all the spaces in the home, the kitchen is among the most frequented areas. This is because everybody needs nourishment to sustain their lifestyle. As everyone invests in creating an aesthetic kitchen, seeing it vanish because of a disaster is a waste. Kitchen fires are preventable with the proper measures, but it does not prevent them from happening. Hence, every person must know how to avoid kitchen fires. In this article, you will learn a few valuable pointers on how to keep your kitchen safe.

Proactive Steps to Prevent Kitchen Fires

Believe it or not, your kitchen contains several combustible items. As most of us use heat and fire to prepare food, the hazards remain. Here are a few tips and steps that you can practice to keep your kitchen away from fires.

1.   Wipe Grease Away

We are all aware that grease is flammable. As you cook daily, grease can build up in your cooking area. It is essential to wipe and clean grease regularly. This is because if the fire reaches the built up area, the chances of it turning into a more extensive fire are high. To eliminate the chances of such accidents, regularly clean your kitchen surfaces of grease.

2.   Keep Your Appliances in Good Condition

Every kitchen will have small to big appliances available. It can range from toasters, microwave ovens, water heaters, and more. Always spare time to check for possible defects or problems that should be repaired. A malfunctioning appliance can cause a fire. Hence, it is good to clean and maintain your appliances regularly.

3.   Learn to Unplug Appliances When Not in Use

We use appliances from time to time. Sometimes, to make coffee, heat food, or toast bread. Regardless of the reason for use, it is imperative always to unplug any electrical appliance when not in use. Keep your wiring neat and organized to avoid faulty or worn-out wiring.

4.   Install Smoke Detectors Near the Kitchen

Installing smoke alarms within the kitchen, away from the cooking area, can help. As a smoke alarm can be triggered by a small amount of steam or smoke, it’s good to place them far from the cooking area but near it.

5.   Don’t Leave the Stove Unattended

It may sometimes be tempting to step away from the kitchen while waiting for food to cook. However, this can be dangerous because fire can come out of it at any time. This is especially true for areas surrounded by grease or when the fire is on high heat. To prevent this from occurring, never leave your stove or oven when cooking.

6.   Create a Fire Escape Plan and Disseminate

It is important to brief everyone in the household about the possible causes of fire. Along with this should be some pointers on how to prevent it. As a fire happens unexpectedly, it is good to have a fire escape plan prepared. Everyone should know how to put out small fires or what to do when the fire grows bigger. It is also wise to have the knowledge of who to call after a fire breaks out. Professionals can provide great help in restoration.

7.   Learn the Don’ts of Cooking

• Don’t fill your pans or pots with grease or oil to a point where they may overflow or spill.
• Don’t put anything with a metal in a microwave to avoid sparks that can instigate fire.
• Don’t cook on a dirty stove with spills.
• Don’t place kitchen towels, paper towels, or potholders near the stove.

The Takeaway

A kitchen fire is every homeowner’s nightmare. Though its possibility is inevitable, there are specific proactive measures that one can take to prevent it. If your household often uses the kitchen, it is vital to know the pointers mentioned above. Disseminate the information and include them in your routine. In this way, you can keep your homes safe from disasters.