As the holidays approach, Goochland County Fire-Rescue and Emergency Services has partnered with the Virginia Department of Fire Programs (VDFP) to show best practices while cooking on the stovetop.
Nearly half of all home structure fires in the U.S. are cooking related. Watch and share this video to stay safe in the kitchen.
Cooking Safety Tips
- Stay in the kitchen when you are frying, grilling or broiling food. Turn off the stove if you leave the kitchen for even a short period of time.
- Wear short, close-fitting or tightly rolled sleeves when cooking.
- Position barbecue grills at least 10 feet away from siding and deck railings, and out from under eaves and overhanging branches.
- Keep a fire extinguisher available.
- Make sure children and pets stay at least 3 feet away from a hot stove.
- Keep the handles of pans on the stove turned inward, this prevents people from bumping into them and keeps pets from jumping up and hitting them causing a fire or causing someone to get burned.
- Remove oven mitts, wooden utensils, food packages, towels, trash, or anything that can burn from the stovetop, so that way it will not catch fire.
- If a fire does occur on the stove, remember to use a nearby lid or cookie sheet to cover the pan to limit the amount of fuel, such as oxygen.
- If a fire extinguisher is needed, remember P. A. S. S. – Pull Aim Squeeze and Sweep.
- Wear short, close-fitting or tightly rolled sleeves when cooking.
- Position barbecue grills at least 10 feet away from siding and deck railings, and out from under eaves and overhanging branches.
- In case of an oven fire, turn off the oven and keep the door closed until it is cool.
- If you have a fire in your microwave oven, turn it off immediately.
Preventing Turkey Fryer Fires
Fire Prevention Tips
- Never use a stove range or oven to heat your home.
- Keep combustible and flammable liquids away from heat sources.
- Portable generators should NEVER be used indoors and should only be refueled outdoors and in well ventilated areas.
Additional Resources