Did you experience a kitchen fire? Here are some common causes of a kitchen fire and what you need to do after one.
According to the US Fire Administration, over 164,500 cooking fires occur in the US every year. Hence, kitchens are constantly under threat of fire accidents, most of which are a result of carelessness. If you have experienced a kitchen fire, here is what you have to do.
What to Do When Faced with a Kitchen Fire?
In case you’re faced with an electric or grease fire, don’t use water to put it out. Use a chemical fire extinguisher, baking soda or a pot lid to smother it.
In case the fire is massive, don’t attempt to extinguish it, immediately evacuate the building, and call a fire brigade.
Once the fire is out, call a professional restoration company so that they can help you out.
To prevent future kitchen fires, you should know the common causes of fires. Here are some.
Leaving Appliances Plugged After Use
Electric-powered coffee makers, mixers, and toaster ovens are commonly used in kitchens. Even if they’re switched off, they’ll continue to draw electricity due to being plugged in. Fire can break out if the thermostat heats up or the wiring is old or faulty.
Using Metal in the Microwave
Kitchen fires often originate when metal such as silverware or foil is used in a microwave. Keep in mind that microwaves are not designed for metals. They’ll heat up the appliance to a point that it will catch fire.
Wearing Loosely Fitted Clothing
Everyone likes to feel comfortable but wearing loosely fitted clothes with knitting extending in various directions while cooking can prove hazardous. Likewise, long sleeves and open hair can trail into dangerous spots on the stove and catch fire. Keep your sleeves rolled up while cooking and in case you’re wearing silk, you need to stay even more cautious.
Leaving Cooking Food Unattended
The most common cause of fire erupting in the kitchen is leaving the food on the stove unattended. The most dangerous situations arise when you leave the oven running at high heat or when you’re cooking in grease. Many of the fire accidents are a result of homeowners getting caught up with some other task or leaving the home with the burner or oven still running.
Keeping Flammables Close to the Stove
Combustibles such as paper towels, dish towels, and potholders left on or near the oven or stove will immediately catch fire when heat builds up. In fact, the stove itself can become a source of fire if grease builds up on it. This usually happens when any grease spillage is not cleaned. A great strategy is to avoid overfilling pans and pots with grease or oil to reduce the chances of spillage.
Cooking Under Influence
Fire accidents are also caused when you attempt to cook while being inattentive or impaired. Cooking under the influence of mind-altering medications or drugs, after consuming alcohol, or when you’re extremely sleepy can prove dangerous. Hence, make sure you’re in the condition to cook before using the stove.
If your kitchen has suffered fire damage, reach out to S.T.O.P for quick fire damage restoration.
