Keeping safe from kitchen fires

preventing home fires Carrollton, Texas

Kitchen fires are the leading cause of house fires, with more than 150,000 homes damaged and over $794 million in damages reported in 2012 alone. Knowing how to spot fire hazards, following these safety tips, and knowing what to do in the event of a fire can help save lives as well as thousands of dollars in damages.

When it comes to kitchen appliances, stoves account for 58% of all kitchen fires. This is followed by the oven, which accounts for 16% of fires. Even the small microwave causes a threat, causing 5% of all kitchen fires.

When it comes to preventing fires, it all starts with the right appliances. All appliances should be tested by an independent lab and installed by a professional electrician, taking into consideration the manufacturer’s instructions and building codes. If you are building a new house, consider putting in a sprinkler system to put out any kitchen fires. Consider buying a “smart oven,” which can extinguish fires and shut off automatically in the event of a fire. Also look for ovens that come with a child lock to prevent any curious kids from hurting themselves on appliances.

Make sure to keep all items away from the stove, such as oven mitts and dishtowels. Always keep a lid handy when cooking to smother any flames. If you see a fire inside an oven, never open it. Letting more oxygen into the fire will just help it grow. Make sure the oven is turned off whenever you are done cooking.

Most importantly, pay attention to everything while cooking. Never leave cooking food unattended or leave children alone in the kitchen.

If you do experience a kitchen fire, get out of the house immediately and call emergency services. While some fires may seem easy enough to put out, it is better to keep you and your family safe.

Mike Leonard Insurance Agency, located in Carrollton, Texas, can help provide you with the best homeowner insurance plan to make sure you and your family are covered in case of any disaster.