Cooking is one of the main causes of home fires and the main cause of fire injuries. You can prevent cooking fires!
- Have a “kid-free zone” of at least 3 feet around the stove and areas where hot food or drink is prepared or carried.
- Keep children and pets away from the grill area.
- Have a 3-foot kid-free zone around the grill.
- When cooking, stay in the kitchen and keep an eye on the stove.
- Wear short or tight-fitting sleeves when cooking.
- Keep towels, pot holders, curtains, and paper products away from the stove.
Did you know?
Grill fires cause an estimated $37 million in property loss each year.
- Almost half of home grill fires happen between 5 and 8 p.m.
- Fifty-seven percent of home grill fires occur during the months of May, June, July and August.
- Patios, terraces, screened-in porches and courtyards are leading home locations for grill fires.
- Seventy-nine percent of all home grill fires involve gas grills.
- “Mechanical failure, malfunction” is the leading factor in the start of grill fires. Leaks or breaks of containers or pipes are often to blame.
Source: Grill Fires on Residential Properties (PDF)
Grilling fire safety tips:
- Only use grills outdoors, away from siding and deck railings.
- Clean grills often and remove grease or fat build-up.
- Make sure your gas grill lid is open before lighting.
- Have a 3-foot safe-zone around grills and campfires. Keep kids and pets away from the area.
- Dispose of coals after they have cooled in a metal can.
- Never leave grills, fire pits and patio torches unattended.
Here are some helpful graphics about your home fire escape plan. Click the image to enlarge. We encourage you to print these and also share on social media.
Source for Content: United States Fire Administration & Consumer Product Safety Commission
