The pandemic has wrought many changes to life for the average Canadian. More people are gardening, swimming pool installations have skyrocketed, certain household items, such as sanitizing wipes, are still hard to find at the supermarket.
Cooking at home has increased by 54% and, with it, kitchen fires have too. A recent report by Canada’s Fire Services Agency finds that cooking fires are the biggest cause of fires in the homes.
According to Allstate Insurance Canada, residential fires related to cooking or smoking saw a 333 per cent increase between March and May 2020. They rank second when it comes to fire deaths.
The leading cause of fires in the kitchen is unattended cooking, according to the experts.
We thought this would be the perfect time to remind you of some basic kitchen and cooking safety tips.
How to avoid kitchen fires and injuries
- Never cook when you are overly tired or intoxicated.
- Nearly 15% of kitchen fire deaths are the result of clothes catching fire while cooking. Avoid wearing long, loose sleeves and reaching into the cupboard above the stove while cooking.
- Remain in the kitchen while you are cooking on medium to high heat.
- Check on slow-cooking food frequently.
- Keep flammable items, such as kitchen towels and hot pads, away from the stove.
- Wipe up spilled food and grease so that it doesn’t catch on fire.
- Keep children and pets away from the stove and never hold a child while cooking. Create a “kid-free” zone of at least 3 feet around the stove.
If you have a cooking fire
- Leave the kitchen immediately.
- If there is a door to the kitchen, close it behind you.
- Gather others in the home and move outdoors.
- Dial 911 once you are safe.
- If the fire is in the oven, turn it off and keep the door closed to smother the flames.
- Keep a lid nearby when you’re cooking to smother small grease fires. Smother the fire by sliding the lid over the pan and turn off the stovetop. Leave the pan covered until it is completely cooled.”
As we head into the holiday season, keep in mind that most home cooking fires occur at Thanksgiving and Christmas, so be careful everyone, and stay safe!!
About the Author:
The above article on What to know about fire prevention – Be safe in the kitchen was provided by Regan Pyke, a leader in the field of sales, marketing, and Real Estate Investing. Regan can be reached via email at [email protected] or by phone at 778-228-2448.
Thinking of selling your home? I have a real passion for buying and selling Real Estate, as well as marketing & real estate investing. I’d love to share my expertise!
