West Virginia Fire Safety Resource
e-Guide
e-Guide Index: - Fire Safety section:
Risk Factors > WV at Risk > Causes > Cooking > Smoking > Electrical > Heating > Arson
Cooking Safely
One step toward learning how to prevent fires is cooking safely. Here are some of the basics:
- Never leave anything cooking on the stove unattended.
- Know the right way to put out a grease fire. [here's a hint]
- Keep oven mitts, potholders, towels and other flammables away from burners.
- When cooking, be sure to roll up sleeves or wear snug-fitting clothing.
- Double-check the kitchen and make sure the stove is off before you go to bed or leave the house.
- Never use the range or oven to heat your home.
Microwave usage
Properly used, a microwave oven is extremely safe. Here are a few tips for safe microwave use:
- Slowly open microwave-heated containers away from your face to avoid burns from steam or overheated foods and liquids.
- If there is a microwave fire, keep the door closed and unplug the microwave.
- Only use microwave-safe containers and utensils
And remember, food cooked in a microwave can be dangerously hot.
Extension cords in the kitchen
Extension cords should never be used with the microwave oven - or a toaster oven. Place the microwave or toaster oven where you have an adequate power supply - and where you can safely reach it.
Learn more
To learn more about cooking safety visit the Fire Prevention: Cooking segment of the Fire Safety course on this Web site. And be sure to review the Fire Prevent: Kitchen tips page.
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