Experiencing a home fire is one of the scariest situations you can be in. Most homeowners know the basics of preventing fires within their homes and hope it’s something they never have to experience. Unfortunately, it just takes one small mistake or moment of poor judgment and your house could be up in flames.
In 2020 a report published by the national fire protection association found that an average of 49% of all home fires started in the kitchen and were caused by cooking. That means nearly half of all home fires can be prevented by safer practices in the kitchen.
Want to keep your home safe from a devastating kitchen fire? Be aware of these top causes of kitchen fires and be sure not to make these mistakes.
Leaving Your Cooking Unattended
This one takes the cake for the most common cause of kitchen fires, in fact, it is the cause of nearly 31% of all home fires. Walking away from your kitchen while in the process of cooking can quickly turn into an unsafe situation. Never leave an open flame on your stove or high-temperature setting unattended.
All too often people sit down or take a rest while in the middle of cooking. If you aren’t feeling well or are sleep deprived, it is best to just order takeout rather than risk falling asleep with food on the stove or in the oven.
Oil in The Kitchen
Oil can be a tricky substance in the kitchen. Using oil to fry or broil can have delicious results but also can be dangerous. Not only is oil flammable but it helps a fire spread quickly across your kitchen and can be difficult to extinguish, as we all should know you don’t put water on a grease fire.
In the event your pan does catch on fire, DO NOT use water to extinguish the flames. This will only cause the fire to spread. If you can, put on oven mitts and safely slide a non-glass lid onto the pan to smother the flames and then turn off your stove.
Using High Cooking Temperatures
In most cases, your food doesn’t need your highest stove or oven temperatures to be cooked properly. We know it can be tempting to crank up the heat to make your food cook faster but it can also be dangerous. Food combustion is the most common cause of kitchen fires and that can result from excessively high heat. Preheat your oven to the recommended temperature, don’t leave it unattended, and always be patient with lower temperatures.
Inappropriate Wardrobe
Believe it or not, what you wear in the kitchen while cooking matters. Loose or billowy clothes can catch on fire should they come in contact with a burner, open flame, or get caught on the stove. Especially if your clothing is made of more flammable fabrics such as cotton or linen.
Flammable Objects
Always be aware of what is around your stove, oven, or other heated kitchen appliances. Items like dish towels, napkins, food packages, recipe cards, and utensils should never be left near your stove. These items could catch on fire in a matter of seconds.
Fire Damage Restoration in Springfield, Ohio
So what do you do in the event you do experience a kitchen fire? Of course, the first thing you should do is call 911 and assure the safety of everyone in your home. Next, call our team at Reliant Restoration for fire damage restoration in Springfield, Ohio. After a fire, it is likely you have a number of items that need to be repaired or replaced from smoke-damaged walls and materials to carpets, flooring, countertops, and more.
Our team is available for emergency services and can have your home restored as soon as possible!