Kitchen Fire Risks

7/28/2020 (Permalink)

A pizza box left on top of this stove caused a kitchen fire when the dog jumped up to steal some pizza!

The kitchen is the most likely place for home fires. Here are the top four kitchen fire risks, along with helpful safety tips to avoid fire damage at your Dearborn and Dearborn Heights area home:

1. Unattended Cooking
Most kitchen fires start when someone leaves cooking unattended. It is easy to get distracted while away from the stove. If you absolutely cannot stay in the kitchen, ask someone to keep an eye on the stove or set a timer to remind you to get back to it.

2. Grease Fires
The smoke point for most fats, like kitchen grease, is about 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Grease reaches its smoke point shortly before a fire ignites. Grease fires must always be extinguished by smothering the flames with baking soda or salt. A Class B or K extinguisher can be used with caution. Be certain to spray an extinguisher from a distance to avoid spreading grease and fire.

3. Combustible or Flammable Materials
Keep paper or plastic food packaging and other flammable materials away from open flames and hot burners. Do not store oven mitts or towels on or above the stove where they may fall on the hot surface. Be mindful of leaving things on top of the stove when not in use. On three separate occasions we have seen fires started by dogs inadvertently turning on gas stoves while trying to reach food containers on the stove top.

4. Microwave-Safe and Oven-Safe Materials
Be certain to check cookware is rated for use in microwaves or ovens. Some packaging is not intended for heating as poses a potential fire hazard. Make sure packaging and dishes are rated for the preparation methods used.

Should a fire occur, depend on the certified fire restoration specialists of SERVPRO of Dearborn & Dearborn Heights SE to clean your home in accordance with the highest standards.

About SERVPRO of Dearborn & Dearborn Heights Southeast
SERVPRO^® of Dearborn & Dearborn Heights SE provides 24-hour disaster mitigation service. We specialize in the restoration of homes and businesses suffering losses from fire and smoke, water, flood, wind, and storm damage. Our locally owned and operated 24/7 response team is always just a phone call away. 313-359-3457