When fall and winter arrive you and your family spend more quality time in the kitchen cooking and preparing meals so that once you arrive home from school and work, you won’t have to venture out again.  With more activity occurring in your kitchen, the risk of having a kitchen fire increases especially if you aren’t attentive to preventative tips that can help you avoid this disaster.  Let’s take a look at some of the major tips that will reduce your risk of a kitchen fire.

1.    Make sure that your appliances are in good working order, are serviced regularly, and are clean.  You’ll want to keep crumbs from gathering in your toaster, your microwave clean, and your oven free from sticky substances from dishes that overflowed the container that you used.

2.    If you’re not using an appliance, unplug it.  This includes your mixers, coffee pots, and toaster ovens. These appliances continue to use electricity even when they’re turned off but not unplugged.  Old or faulty wiring can cause a thermostat to malfunction and a fire to occur.

3.    Don’t use any metal in your microwave.  The resulting sparks can damage your microwave and can ultimately cause a fire that spreads over your entire kitchen area.

4.    Keep the grease residue wiped from your stove.  This is a flammable buildup that can quickly consume both you and your kitchen if it is ignited; always keep your stove clean and free from packages and groceries when you bring them into the home.

5.    Keep all of your towels and potholders away from the stove.  If a burner is left on the material can catch fire and cause a great deal of damage to your kitchen.

6.    When you’re cooking, never leave food unattended.  It’s easy to step away from the stove to check on a child or take a telephone call but understand that you are inviting an accident to happen while you’re away.  Always monitor food preparation especially when grease is involved.

7.    Don’t overfill your pots and pans with oil or grease.  This liquid is easily splattered and can quickly catch fire.  You should also take care that your pots and pans never boil dry.

8.    Keep your sleeves rolled up and long hair tied back.  This will prevent your clothing and hair from being dangerously close to open heating elements.  It’s also sanitary for food preparation as well.

Taking just a few simple steps of caution can protect both you and your kitchen from a fire that can be costly.  Always make sure that stove eyes and the oven is completely turned off after use which also helps to save on your energy bill.  Paying close attention when you’re preparing meals will keep you save and secure in your very efficient kitchen.