BAKERSFIELD, Calif. — Almost half of reported home fires started in the kitchen. Kern County Fire says 66%of home cooking fires start with the ignition of food or other cooking materials.
In honor of Fire Prevention Week, KCFD has teamed up with the National Fire Protection Association to bring you the “Serve up Fire Safety in the Kitchen!” campaign.
KCFD joined 23ABC this morning to offer tips about simple but important actions you can take to keep your home and those around you safe.
Follow these safety tips to avoid starting a fire:
- Never leave cooking food unattended. Stay in the kitchen while you are frying, grilling or boiling. If you have to leave, even for a short time, turn off the stove.
- If you are simmering, baking, roasting, or boiling food, check it regularly, remain in the home while food is cooking, and use a timer to remind you that you’re cooking.
- You have to be alert when cooking. You won’t be alert if you are sleepy, have taken medicine or drugs, or consumed alcohol that makes you drowsy.
- Always keep an oven mitt and pan lid nearby when you’re cooking. If a small grease fire starts, slide the lid over the pan to smother the flame. Turn off the burner, and leave the pan covered until it is completely cool.
- Have a “kid-free zone” of at least 3 feet around the stove and areas where hot food or drink is prepared or carried.
