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The leading cause of kitchen fires is unattended cooking. Once a fire starts, it can spread quickly through a home so it is important to have working smoke alarms and a plan in place for evacuation.
The department advises residents to follow these tips .
Cook With Caution
Be on alert! If you are sleepy or have consumed alcohol don’t use the stove or stovetop.
Stay in the kitchen while you are frying, boiling, grilling, or broiling food. If you leave the kitchen for even a short period of time, turn off the stove.
If you are simmering, baking, or roasting food, check it regularly, remain in the home while food is cooking, and use a timer to remind you that you are cooking.
Keep anything that can catch fire — oven mitts, wooden utensils, food packaging, towels or curtains — away from your stovetop.
Small Grease Cooking Fires
On the stovetop, smother the flames by sliding a lid over the pan and turning off the burner. Leave the pan covered until it is completely cooled.
For an oven fire, turn off the heat and keep the door closed.
Smoke Alarm Best Practices
Smoke alarms are vital to home safety.
You should have a smoke alarm in every bedroom, outside sleeping areas and on every level of your home. Do not put smoke alarms in kitchens or bathrooms.
More Smoke Alarm Tips
All smoke detectors/alarms must be replaced after 10 years.
Smoke alarms should be cleaned twice a year and tested once a month.
Chirping that continues after the battery has been replaced means the alarm is at the end of its life and the unit must be replaced.
Make sure your smoke and carbon monoxide (CO) alarms meet the needs of all your family members, including those with sensory or physical disabilities.
If a resident is not sure if your smoke alarm is functioning properly, Gilbert Fire & Rescue offers a new service to assist residents with installing and maintaining their smoke detectors. Learn more.
Those interested in finding additional tips on fire prevention, smoke alarms, including how to clean a smoke alarm, can do so at gilbertaz.gov/FirePrevention.
For more information on Fire Prevention Week is available by visiting fpw.org.
