Safe Cooking Tips

Safe Cooking Tips

  • Always use cooking equipment that has the label of a recognized testing laboratory such as Underwriters Laboratories.
  • Check electrical cords for cracks, breaks, or damage.
  • Check food that is cooking regularly; use a timer to remind you that you are cooking.
  • Have a kid-free zone of at least 3 feet around the stove.
  • Keep anything that can catch fire - oven mitts, wooden utensils, towels, curtains - away from your stovetop.
  • Keep the stovetop, burners, and oven clean.
  • Never hold a child while cooking, drinking, or carrying hot foods or liquids.
  • Never leave boiling, frying, or broiling food unattended.
  • Plug microwave ovens or other cooking appliances directly into an outlet.
  • Wear short, close-fitting, or tightly rolled sleeves when cooking.

If You Have a Cooking Fire 

Cooking equipment is involved in over 30% of home structure fires. What you should do:

  • Just get out! When you leave, close the door behind you to help contain the fire.
  • Call 911 after you leave.
  • If you do try to fight the fire, be sure others are already getting out and you have a clear path to the exit.
  • Always keep a lid nearby when you’re cooking. If a small grease fire starts in a pan, smother the flames by carefully sliding the lid over the pan. Turn off the burner. Do not move the pan.
  • In case of an oven fire, turn off the heat and keep the door closed. Clean the oven before using it again.

Barbecue Grills

  • Check your propane cylinder hose for leaks before igniting.
  • Keep children and pets away from the grill area by declaring a 3-foot kid-free zone.
  • Never add charcoal starter fluid when coals have already been ignited.
  • Periodically remove grease and fat buildup in trays below the grill so it cannot be ignited by a hot grill.
  • Place the grill at a safe distance from lawn games, play areas, and shrubs/trees.
  • Position the grill well away from siding and deck railings and out from under eaves.
  • Put out several long-handled grilling tools to give the chef plenty of clearance from the heat and flames.
  • Use barbecue grills only outdoors!