Cooking Safety
Did you know cooking is the #1 cause of home fires?
Each year, Cosumnes Fire proclaims October as Fire Prevention Month to promote the National Fire Protection Association's (NFPA) (external) National Fire Prevention Week (external). October 2023’s theme is “Cooking safety starts with YOU! Pay attention to fire prevention.” While NFPA has highlighted cooking safety in the past, it is worth noting the timely invitation to minimize distractions, especially as we resume the busyness of pre-pandemic life.
Between 2015 and 2019, cooking fires accounted for 49% of home fires, including 42% of home fire injuries and 20% of reported home fire deaths. Importantly, unattended (or even distracted) cooking is largely responsible for these fires and the resulting injury and loss of life.
Thankfully, there are a few simple things that you can do to cook safely in your home.
To prevent cooking fires
- Always keep a close eye on what you're cooking.
- Clear the cooking area: keep away anything that can burn.
- Keep a lid nearby when cooking to smother grease fires.
- If there is an oven fire, keep the oven door closed.
- Use and monitor qualified cooking appliances.
To prevent burns
- Create a “kid and pet free zone” of at least three feet (one meter) around the cooking area and anywhere else hot food or drink is prepared or carried.
- Turn pot handles toward the back of the stove
You can learn more about fire safety and get practical tips to help you cook with care by visiting www.nfpa.org/cooking or by downloading the NFPA Cooking Safety Tip Sheet (Spanish Version)