It's crucial to never leave a stove unattended while cooking, as it's a leading cause of kitchen fires. If you must leave the kitchen, even for a short time, turn off the stove and remove any pots or pans from the heat.
Here's why:
- Fire hazard: Unattended cooking is the number one cause of home fires, and it can quickly escalate from a minor incident to a major blaze.
- Grease fires: Overheated cooking oil or grease can easily ignite, and a grease fire can spread rapidly if not addressed immediately.
- Combustible materials: Keep the area around your stove clear of flammable items like towels, paper, and oven mitts, as these can easily catch fire from the heat.
- Child safety: Children can be drawn to the stove, so it's important to create a "kid-free zone" around it to prevent burns and accidents.
To ensure safety while cooking:
- Stay in the kitchen: Remain present while frying, grilling, boiling, or broiling food.
- Turn off the stove: If you need to leave the kitchen, turn off the stove and remove pots and pans from the heat source.
- Use timers: Set timers to remind you when food is cooking, especially if you're using the oven.
- Keep flammable items away: Store towels, paper, and other combustibles away from the stove.
- Turn pot handles inward: This prevents accidental spills or children from grabbing hot pots.
- Clean regularly: Keep your cooking surfaces clean to prevent grease buildup, which can be a fire hazard.
- Have a fire extinguisher: Keep a fire extinguisher in the kitchen and know how to use it. Our selection of protective gloves includes everything from cut-resistant to chemical-resistant gloves, ensuring that your hands are always protected on the job.