SJFD's Firefighter Ben Hammond shares a few safety tips to help you stay safe in the kitchen (Mire el video en español | Xem video bằng tiếng Việt | 观看普通话视频 | 觀看國語影片).

Cooking is the leading cause of home fires and fire-related injuries in the home.* Whether you're preparing a meal or making a quick snack, following safe cooking practices can help keep you and your household safe.

Practice Safe Cooking

• Never leave cooking unattended. Stay in the kitchen when frying, grilling, boiling, or broiling food. If you need to leave, even for a moment, turn off the stove.
• Keep the cooking area clear. Keep anything that can burn, such as food packaging, oven mitts, paper towels, and dish towels, away from the stovetop.
• Create a kid-free zone. Keep children at least three feet away from the stove and other areas where hot food or drinks are being prepared.
• Turn pot handles inward. Turn handles toward the back of the stove so they cannot be bumped or reached by children.
• Keep a fire extinguisher nearby. Make sure you have the right type of extinguisher and know how to use it.
• Keep cooking equipment clean. Remove crumbs from toasters, clean grease from the stovetop, and dust behind appliances to help reduce fire hazards.
• Wear short or close-fitting sleeves. Loose clothing can catch fire if it comes into contact with a burner or flame.
• Dispose of grease safely. Let grease cool before throwing it in the trash. Never pour grease or cooking oil down the drain.
• Don't cook if you're tired or impaired. Avoid cooking if you are sleepy or have consumed alcohol or other substances that affect your alertness.

SJFD's Firefighter Paramedic Tom Sanchez shows us the safety features of an induction cooktop. 

In Case of A Fire

Even when you practice safe cooking, fires can still happen. If a fire starts, your safety is the top priority.

• Get out if the fire is not small or cannot be controlled safely. Close the door behind you if you can to help slow the spread of smoke and fire, then call 9-1-1 from outside.
• Smother a small grease fire. Carefully slide a lid over the pan, turn off the burner, and leave the lid in place until the pan has completely cooled. Never use water on a grease fire.
• Keep oven and microwave fires contained. Turn off the appliance and keep the door closed until the fire is out.
• Use a fire extinguisher only if the fire is small, you know how to use it, and you have a clear way to get out.

*According to www.NFPA.com, cooking equipment is the leading cause of home fires and fire injuries, causing 49% of home fires that resulted in 21% of the home fire deaths and 45% of the injuries.