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My Kitchen - Is It Fire Safe?

"A recipe for your family's protection".

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What can I do to keep my kitchen safe?

Keep Cooking Surfaces lean and Clutter Free

  • Keep appliances free of spills and grease that may catch fire.

  • Keep curtains, dish towels, plastic containers and pot holders away from hot surfaces.

Operate Microwave Ovens Safely

  • Always use pot holders or oven mitts to remove food from microwaves.

  • Be careful when removing a wrapper or cover from microwave food. Steam escaping from the container can cause a burn.

Take Care of Electrical Cords

  • Avoid overloading electrical outlets with too many kitchen appliances.

  • Check electrical cords and plugs and discard them if they are damaged.

Install Working Smoke Alarms

  • Purchase and install working smoke alarms. Specialized alarms with a pause feature are available for the kitchen to prevent nuisance alarms.

  • Test smoke alarms monthly. For battery operated smoke alarms, replace the batteries at least once a year.

  • Follow manufacturer's instructions for other maintenance information.

How can I cook safely.


Turn off and unplug appliances

Stay in the Kitchen When Cooking

  • Never leave cooking unattended. Oil or fat can ignite.

  • Always turn elements off when you are finished cooking.

  • Turn off or unplug electrical appliances when you are finished using them.

  • Keep children a safe distance from the cooking area.

  • Cooking requires you to be alert. Avoid cooking when under the influence of alcohol or medications.

Wear Short or Tight-Fitting Sleeves

  • Avoid loose sleeves that may dangle into flames or onto hot elements.

  • keep the area around your stove free from items that may burn.

Turn Pot Handles In

  • Prevent burns by turning pot handles toward the back of the stove when cooking. By doing this pots can not be pulled or knocked off the stove.

  • Whenever possible use rear elements.


What Should I Do If I Have a Kitchen Fire?

If you have a fire in your home:

  • Get everyone out.

  • Call your local emergency number from a neighbours' phone.

Consider using a portable fire extinguisher ONLY if the following conditions exist:

  • Everyone has left the building.

  • The fire department has been called.

  • The fire is contained to a small area.

  • A clear escape route exists between you and the fire.

  • There is an appropriate, working fire extinguisher available.

  • You have read the extinguisher instructions and have received training in it's safe operation.

If the fire does not go out, leave your home and call 9-1-1 or your local emergency number

What Kinds of Fires May Happen In My Kitchen?

  • Grease fires: Use a pot holder or oven mitt and slide a lid or a cookie sheet over the flames. Then turn the heat off. Never put water on a grease fire.

  • Oven fires: Close the oven door and turn the heat off.

  • Microwave fires: Keep the door closed and turn the microwave off.

NOTE: For all fires, get everyone out of the home and call the fire department.


Slide a lid over the flames
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The above information has been jointly supplied/sponsored by:
Delta Fire & Emergency Services Delta Fire Dept. Office of the Fire Commissioner, Province of B.C. Formerly BC Gas Insurance Brokers Association of BC