Kitchen Fire Safety

Study Shows Adults Aren’t Always Careful When Cooking At Home

The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) reports that between 1999-2002, there were an average of 114,000 home fires associated with cooking equipment each year, resulting in 290 deaths and 4,380 injuries each year. The leading cause for these fires was unattended cooking.

In fact, three in 10 reported home fires start in the kitchen, and two out of three reported home cooking fires start with the range or stove. Believe it or not, electric ranges or stoves have a higher risk of fires, injuries and property damage, compared to gas ranges or stoves. However, gas ranges or stoves have a higher risk of fire deaths.

Because of these alarming statistics, The Hartford decided to commission Harris Interactive to create an online study of adults’ cooking habits to examine what factors were contributing to kitchen fires. The researchers questioned 2,527 adults, aged 18 and over during October 2006. Two hundred forty-three of those surveyed lived with at least one child under the age of five.

The study revealed questionable cooking habits that could increase the risk of cooking-related fires:

• Seventy-eight percent of those polled reported leaving an appliance such as a microwave, oven, or range unattended while cooking
• One in five respondents reported leaving their house while the appliance was running
• More than one-third of the respondents didn’t keep a fire extinguisher in the kitchen.

These statistics are alarming to say the least. And you should always keep a fire extinguisher in your kitchen. And make sure it is one designed to be used in the kitchens and can be used for grease fires. It will be clearly marked on the extinguisher or packaging. The researchers noted that the overwhelming majority of respondents didn’t seem to know the safety rules to follow when preparing food at home.

Follow these NFPA Guidelines in your kitchen:

• Kids and pets should stay at least 3 feet away from the stove while cooking.
• Keep an eye on the stove top while frying, grilling, or boiling food. And Never walk away from food while it is cooking on the stove top.
• Items that can ignite easily, such as dishtowels, curtains, or paper towels, are remain at least 3 feet away from the stove.
• Potholders or oven mitts should be within easy reach.
• Pot handles should be turned in toward the back of the stove to prevent spilling.
• If someone gets burned, pour cool water over the burn for 3 to 5 minutes.
• Be careful when removing cooked food from a microwave, because the hot steam can cause burns. Children should never use a microwave unless an adult gives them permission.

ABOUT HUFF INSURANCE

Huff Insurance is a full service Independent Insurance Agent We have been dedicated to Protecting Lifestyles™ since 1960. We offer a full array of Personal Insurance, Commercial Insurance and Life Insurance & Health Insurance products. Call us at 410-647-1111.