COOKING SAFETY

“Serve Up Fire Safety in the Kitchen”
Cooking fires are the number one cause of home fires. Many older adults also experience burn-related injuries during cooking. Prevent fires and burns by being watchful and alert when you cook.

COOKING SAFETY TIPS

• The leading cause of fires in the kitchen is unattended cooking.
• Stay in the kitchen when you are frying, boiling, grilling, or broiling food. If you are simmering, baking, or roasting food, check it regularly and stay in the home.
• Always keep a lid nearby when cooking. If a small grease fire starts, slide the lid over the pan and turn off the burner. Leave the pan covered until it’s cool.
• Keep anything that can catch fire away from your stovetop.
• Loose clothing can hang down onto stove burners and catch fire. Wear short, close-fitting, or tightly rolled sleeves when cooking.
• Smoke alarms save lives. Install a smoke alarm near your kitchen, on each level of your home, and inside and outside bedrooms. Use the test button to check it each month.
• For fires inside an oven or microwave, keep the door closed, turn off the appliance, and call the fire department.
• Clean cooking surfaces on a regular basis to prevent grease build-up.
• Check the kitchen after you finish cooking. Make sure the oven, burners, and other appliances are off.

In a fire, mere seconds can mean the difference between a safe escape and a tragedy. Fire safety education isn’t just for school children. Teenagers, adults, and seniors are also at risk in fires, making it important for every member of the community to take some time to make sure they understand how to stay safe in case of a fire.

IF A FIRE BEGINS

If a fire starts, stay calm and get out. Once out, call 911 from a cell phone or a neighbor’s telephone. Have an outside meeting place at a safe distance in front of your house

where first responders can see you.

More Information:
Contact Us! Renton Regional Fire Authority
www.rentonrfa.org
425-276-9500

*Caution: Don’t cook if you are sleepy, have consumed alcohol, or have taken medications that make you drowsy.