The 2023 Fire Prevention Week campaign is underway and this year the focus is on cooking safety.
Cooking is the leading cause of home fires and home fire injuries in Canada. According to Statistics Canada, residential fires account for most fire deaths. In 2021, cooking accounted for 32% of fire incidents and 43% of injuries. It’s also important to note that death rates were lower in homes with working smoke alarms. Homes without a working smoke alarm, including those without an installed alarm or the status is unknown, accounted for nearly three out of four deaths.
There are simple but important actions to take when cooking to keep everyone safe. Here are some key cooking safety tips:
- Watch what you heat. Always keep a close eye on what you are cooking. Set a timer to remind you that you are cooking. Do not leave your cooking unsupervised. Remove pans from heat if you’re called away from the stove, e.g., by a phone call.
- Turn the pot handles toward the back of the stove. Always keep a properly fitting lid nearby when cooking. If a small grease fire starts, slide the lid over the pan and turn off the burner. Do not move the pan.
- Have a “kid- and pet-free zone” of at least 3 feet (1 meter) around the stove or grill and anywhere else hot food or drink is prepared or carried.
- Wear tight-fitting or rolled-up sleeves when using the stove. Loose, dangling clothing can easily catch fire. If your clothing catches fire, stop, drop to the ground, and roll over and over to put out the fire.
- Keep combustible items such as cooking utensils, dishcloths, paper towels, and potholders at a safe distance from the stove. Make sure electrical cords are not dangling from countertops, where they could be pulled over by small children.
- If an electrical appliance catches fire, don’t throw water on it. Use a kitchen portable fire extinguisher.
- Ensure to inspect your range hood (or other kitchen fume exhaust fan) for grease buildup and clean regularly.
- If the fire doesn’t go out, get out, stay out, and call 911.
