Kitchen Safety
Did you know that cooking is the number one cause of home fires in Ontario? Many of these fires start because pots and pans are left unattended on the stove.
Stand By Your Pan
Unattended cooking is the number one cause of home fires. Stay in the kitchen when you're cooking. If you must leave the kitchen when you're cooking, turn off the stove and remove the pot from the burner especially if you are using oil or high temperatures. Even if it is just for a few seconds, take an item with you like a tea towel to remind you to return to your cooking right away.
Put a Lid on It
If a pot catches fire, it is important not to panic. Put an oven mitt on and always have the proper fitting pot lid close by so that you can slide it across the pot. Once the lid is placed on top of the pot, turn the heat off. Don't Peak. Wait till the pot cools down before removing the lid. People have burned their house down because their first reaction is to rush the pot to the sink or get the pot outside as fast as possible.
Don't Reach for Danger
People have burned to death because they have reached across the stove while wearing loose clothing. Even more tragic is that these incidents usually happen to senior citizens. If you're going to cook on the stove, wear a short-sleeve shirt or roll up your sleeves. Don't cook while wearing your robe since most robes have big baggy sleeves.
Clear the Clutter
Keep the cooking area clear of paper towel, wooden utensils and tea towels to prevent any possibility of fire spread.