Many individuals enjoy the ease and comfort of a functional kitchen that makes cooking daily meals a simpler task, thanks to its modern appliances. Nevertheless, similar to any other part of your home, the kitchen presents notable dangers because of its highly flammable materials and activities that can quickly ignite in a confined area. Failure to properly maintain and use cooking appliances like ovens and microwaves with caution can pose a fire risk in your household. Therefore, in order to ensure the security of your cooking area for all individuals, provided are some pointers on kitchen safety and a detailed manual on how to handle a fire in your oven or other appliances in the kitchen.
Reported Incidents of Home Cooking Fires
According to key findings on home cooking fires reported by NFPA Research, cooking was not only the leading cause of reported home fires, but also of home fire deaths, involving ranges and cooktops in more than 53% of the reported home cooking fires. While ovens and microwaves were reported to have lower loss rates than most other cooking appliances, they still pose a significant risk of cooking fires.
Common Causes of Oven Fires
There are several reasons why ovens catch fire. Ovens can become fire hazards due to technical malfunctions or lack of maintenance if not handled and cared for properly. Knowing the various reasons for oven fires can empower household members to proactively avoid such incidents.
- Flammable items in ovens – the heat from the oven can cause whatever is inside it to ignite. Avoid leaving flammable items inside the oven, such as plastic, rubber and other materials that should not be placed inside.
- Overflowing pots and pans – overfilled cookware can cause excess liquid, especially oil, to ignite under high temperatures. Make sure not to overfill your pots and use the correct cookware size.
- Poorly maintained ovens – accumulation of grease, oil residue, and food particles over a period of time could result in the oven igniting. Make sure to clean and maintain your oven regularly to avoid fires.
- Accidentally leaving ovens on – leaving ovens turned on past their designated cooking time may pose the risk of fire hazards. Use a timer when operating the oven and check it regularly to make sure it isn’t left on when not in use.
Ways to Prevent Oven Fires
Oven fires can be a frightening issue in any kitchen setting. Despite their relatively lower incidence rates over the recent years, ovens, just like any other appliances, require proper handling and regular maintenance. Adhering to these guidelines can help keep oven fires at bay and ultimately ensure the safety of everyone in your home.
Keep Ovens Clean
Always keep your ovens and cooking area clean. Schedule a deep clean of your oven every month to ensure that food particles and other debris do not accumulate over time. These residues can ignite and catch fire once exposed to high temperatures.
Use Cover on Splatter-Prone Food
Hot grease and fat are highly flammable substances that, when left unattended, can be a catalyst for dangerous oven fires. When heating or cooking messy foods, always use a lid or cover that can withstand high temperatures. Using a high-temperature resistant cover can cut down on cleaning time and lower the chances of fire incidents.
Keep Flammable Items Away
Do not place combustible items such as oven mitts and paper towels near stoves and other cooking appliances in your kitchen. Ensure to keep these items away from sources of heat as they are prone to catching fire at high temperatures.
Cooking Unattended in the Kitchen
Ensure to regularly check the oven for any strange odors or sounds that could signal a potential fire hazard during use. Utilizing a timer in the kitchen can prevent distractions when multitasking and alert you when to remove the food. Always maintain vigilance while working in your kitchen area.
Choose the Correct Fire Extinguisher
Finding the appropriate fire extinguisher for your kitchen can rapidly put out flames and prevent them from spreading further. Experts recommend using a Class F chemical fire extinguisher for fires that include grease, fat, and cooking oil.
Never Use Oven to Heat Your Home
Ovens are not space heating equipment. Leaving electric ovens on for a long period of time may lead to overheating, possibly causing a dangerous fire in the oven. Conversely, a gas oven may lead to carbon monoxide poisoning and pose a health hazard.
Tips for Extinguishing an Oven Fire
Oven fires are extremely dangerous, which is why knowing what to do if your oven catches fire and how to extinguish it quickly and safely is very crucial. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to put out an oven fire, while minimizing potential injuries.
- Keep the oven door closed– do not open the door until the fire is extinguished. A shut oven door can protect you from a potential explosion and therefore prevent severe harm.
- Turn off the oven – immediately switch off the oven, which includes the stove, and allow the flame to extinguish on its own.
- Avoid using water – dousing a fire with water will not put out the fire. Get your fire extinguisher to extinguish the flames and stop it from spreading further.
- Ensure proper ventilation – open all the windows in your kitchen area once the flames are fully extinguished to help the smoke escape.
- Call 911 if fire continues – contact 911 if the fire starts to spread to other areas. Do not try to put yourself and others at risk by trying to put out the fire on your own. This can be very dangerous so make sure to call your local fire department right away.
Conclusion
Dealing with a fire in your oven at home can be one of the most frightening scenarios a homeowner might face. They cause severe harm to your house and jeopardize the safety of everyone inside. Ensuring safety precautions in your kitchen is essential in order to prevent oven fires from escalating rapidly and endangering your family and home. Regularly taking care of your oven, keeping flammable objects away from heat sources, and using kitchen devices properly can greatly decrease the chances of oven fires. By implementing these precautionary steps, you can establish a safe setting for cooking and ensure the health and safety of everyone in your household.
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