7 Essential Cooking Safety Tips
The kitchen is considered by many as the heart of the home, the place where family and friends gather to enjoy each other’s company and delicious food.
At OceanPoint Insurance, we want all of your gatherings to be safe and joyful.
With an average of 455 fires daily, according to the National Association of Fire Prevention, cooking is the leading cause of home fires and home fire-related injuries.
Below are seven safety tips to keep you and your loved ones safe so you can enjoy what matters most…the food, friends, and family!
1. Be Attentive: 33%* of all kitchen fires happen when food is left unattended causing 49%* of all kitchen fire-related deaths. Whether you are roasting, grilling, simmering, or frying, always remain in the vicinity. Be sure to check on your food frequently and always turn off the oven or range if you are not in the home.
2. Be Alert: While wine is delicious when used in your favorite recipes, it is not a good idea to consume alcohol while cooking. Your judgment may become impaired, and you will be more likely to leave the food unattended, or you may forget to turn off the range or the oven. If you feel sleepy, it is best not to cook anything which involves heat. Wait until you are well rested to don your chef hat and start simmering.
3. Clear the Area: Have you ever carelessly tossed a dish towel on the counter? Dish towels and other items that are too close to the stove or cooking area pose a fire hazard. 10%* of all kitchen fires and 23%* of associated deaths are caused by flammable items being too close to the cooking area. Organizing the area surrounding your range before you begin cooking will minimize the risk of a cooking fire.
4. Know What to Do: In the event of a kitchen fire, there are a few things you need to know. It is advisable to get out of the house and call 911 immediately. Cooking fires cause 55%* of all kitchen related fire injuries where civilians attempt to fight the fire by themselves.
5. Service and Maintain Your Stove: Most cooking fires involve the use of the stove and to minimize the risk of fire it is essential that the oven is cleaned on a regular basis. Most stoves offer a self-cleaning setting, use this to keep the inside free of grease and other hazardous materials. After cooking, be sure to clean the range and the oven thoroughly. When necessary, have your stove serviced to be sure that all components are in working order.
6. Kid-Free Zone: Just in case your little ones get a little too curious, it is good practice to establish a kid-free zone around all preparation and cooking areas.
7. Download Our Cooking Safety Guide: click this link to download the guide, share with all family members and keep a copy in your kitchen.
Follow these simple safety tips so that you can enjoy each meal with your family and friends in safety. At OceanPoint Insurance, we wish you and your inner chef a safe and delicious cooking experience.
*Source: National Fire Prevention Association
