Preventing fires in homes and apartment building might just start in residents' kitchens. Since hot oven ranges and so many other household electrical appliances belong in the kitchen, it's not surprising that fires typically start in kitchens. To prevent an accidental fire, please take the following precautions for kitchen fire safety.
- Unplug kitchen appliances, such as coffee makers, toaster ovens, mixers, and can openers. They're a fire hazard if they remain plugged in while they're not in use. Appliances also continue to use electricity, even when they're not turned on. To save on your power bill and prevent sparks from unnoticed damage to cords and outlets, unplug appliances when not in use.
- Keep appliance cords away from the stove top, toaster oven and other hot surfaces. Heat is a common cause of damage to cords, and damaged cords cause fires.
- Check electrical cords frequently for damage, and don't use appliances with damaged cords. If you notice damage to the cord but must use the appliance, at least wrap the damaged cord with electrical tape until you can get a replacement.
- Never forget to turn off the stove burners and oven after you've finished. Remembering to turn off the stove, especially during a busy holiday, can be easier said than done. At least be in the habit to never set tableware and serving dishes on the range in case you accidentally forget to turn it off. Plastic can melt on the range. Besides damaging the stove's heating elements, melted plastic can catch fire. Even more dangerous than plastic, ceramic left on a hot range will explode.
- Don't wear loose fitting clothing while you cook. Bath robes, gauzy frocks, and baggy sweaters could ignite if you they got caught in the waffle iron.
- Don't overload outlets, and make sure you use proper fuses in your home.
Of course, each kitchen should be equipped with a fire extinguisher, and children should be well versed in putting out minor kitchen fires.
