Oven fires happen more often than you think. You might be surprised to hear that oven fires account for more than $200 million in property damage each year. That’s why it’s essential to take some preventative steps to avoid an oven fire in your home. Fires can easily start from a simple mistake that you don’t even need to be doing anything with the oven for it to happen. This blog post will discuss some steps that you can take to avoid an oven fire!
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Stay Near The Oven
Never leave food cooking in the oven unattended, especially if you have to leave the house. This is the number one rule for avoiding an oven fire. If you need to step away for a moment, turn off the oven. You might not think it is a big deal to leave food cooking in the oven while doing something else, but that can lead to disaster.
Install Smoke Detectors
A smoke detector is an essential safety feature for any kitchen. If you don’t have one, install a smoke detector as soon as possible to prevent the spread of fires that might not be visible but could still get out of hand quickly! Smoke detectors will alert you when there are smoldering embers somewhere in your home so that they can be put out right away.
Have A Fire Extinguisher
You should have a fire extinguisher on hand at all times while cooking. You never know when an accident might happen, so be prepared! Get in the habit of checking your kitchen for potential hazards like grease fires or small food-related fires before you start preparing meals. If there is any chance something could catch on fire – even if it is just a small risk – check to make sure your kitchen is equipped with a working smoke detector and fire extinguishing equipment.
Make Sure Everything Is Cleaned Up
Many oven fires start from spills that aren’t cleaned up properly. If you leave a spill in the bottom of your oven, it can evaporate and cause damage to your burners or even ignite if there’s enough food grease on it. You should wipe out even small drippings as soon as you notice them, so they don’t become bigger problems later! The same goes for any spills around the cooking surface – make sure to have clean towels ready at all times to wipe down surfaces before they get dirty!
Be Aware Of Kids And Pets
Ensure you keep an eye on your kids and pets while you’re cooking, especially if there are things in the oven that could be dangerous if they got burned. Teach your kids about the dangers of playing around the oven, and always keep a close eye on them! Kids and pets are curious by nature, which can sometimes lead to them getting too close to the oven when it’s hot. Maybe even have a designated spot for them to stand or sit when you’re cooking, so they don’t accidentally get burned by a hot surface!
Use A Timer
Timers are the best way to track when food is done cooking. Keep in mind that there’s a difference between “overcooked” and “burnt.” The longer your meal cooks, the greater chance it has of burning if you’re not paying attention! Be sure to set timers for meals so you can remove them from the oven at just the right time.
Cover Food That Might Splatter
If you’re cooking something like bacon or sausage, it’s essential to ensure that the grease doesn’t splatter all over your oven. One way to do this is to cover the food with a lid or aluminum foil so that the grease stays where it’s supposed to be! That will help prevent any dangerous flare-ups and keep your oven clean simultaneously.
Conclusion
By following these simple steps, you can help prevent oven fires from happening in your home. Install smoke detectors, have a fire extinguisher on hand, and be aware of kids and pets while cooking. If a fire does start, make sure to put it out quickly using the proper safety measures!
