Cooking Safety Tips
Cooking fires are the number one cause of home fires and injuries. The leading cause of fires in the kitchen is untended food on the stove/in the oven.
Home cooking safety tips:
These safety tips are provided from the Government of Alberta.
- Never leave the kitchen when you are frying, grilling, simmering, baking, roasting or boiling.
- Frying is one of the most dangerous cooking activities recorded by fire departments.
- Use a temperature-controlled fryer or an electric skillet designed for high temperatures.
- Use only enough oil to cover the bottom of your pan.
- Heat the oil slowly and always add food carefully to your pot or pan.
- Keep a lid beside the stove when frying. If a fire starts, use the lid to smother the flames.
- If you are using an oven, check on your food regularly or use a timer.
- Do not cook if you are tired or under the influence of drugs and alcohol.
- Always remain with children if they want to help with cooking. Otherwise, keep children and pets away from cooking areas.
- Avoid wearing loose-fitting clothing while cooking.
- Always be sure to clean food and grease from your stove tops.
- Keep burners, oven and exhaust-fan filters and ducts clean.
- Always double check that your oven is empty before turning it on.
- If your appliances are more than 10 years old, have them inspected to ensure they are in good working order.
If you experience a fire while cooking call 9-1-1
