Cooking Safety

Cooking fires are the leading cause of home fires and home fire injuries.

Stay in the kitchen and closely monitor your meal anytime you are cooking. Keep an eye on what you fry!
Keep anything that can catch fire – oven mitts, utensils, food packaging, towels, or curtains – away from your stove.
Install and learn how to use a fire extinguisher. Contact your local fire department for training.
If you have a small cooking fire:
- On a stovetop, smother the flames by sliding a lid over the pan and turn off the burner. Keep the pan covered until fully cooled.
- For an oven fire, turn off the heat and keep the oven door closed.
- If in doubt, just get out! If flames spread to objects beyond the stove or oven, evacuate immediately. When you leave, close the door behind you to help contain the fire.
Call 9-1-1 or the local emergency number from outside of the home.

Use caution around heating equipment such as space heaters and fireplaces. Keep anything that could catch fire at ease 3 feet from the heat.

Use caution with electrical equipment.

Always plug appliances directly into the wall outlets. Extension cords are for short-term use.
Check power cords. Make sure they are not across doorways or under carpets where they might get pinched or wear out.

Children “playing” with fire is dangerous. Each year, these types of fires cause preventable injuries and deaths.

Smoking is a leading cause of home fire deaths.

If you smoke, do so outside. Make sure to extinguish smoking materials in a deep and sturdy ashtray.

Never smoke in bed.
Use e-cigarettes with caution. Serious fires and injuries can occur when e-cigarettes are being used, charged, or transported.

Avoid using candles because of the fire risk. Use battery-powered lights and flashlights instead.
If you must use a candle, use extreme caution, and never leave it unattended.

Prevent Home Fires - You can prevent home fires by following basic safety tips.