Kitchen safety tips

Cooking is the number one cause of home fires in Alberta. Cooking oil and fat fires account for a large proportion of these fires. Be extra careful when cooking. The best way to fry foods is to use an electric-temperature-controlled skillet or a deep-fat fryer.

  • Stay in the kitchen when cooking on the stovetop.
  • Turn all pot handles inward and out of reach of children.
  • Keep curtains and loose clothing away from the stove.
  • Use a burner that fits the pot and keep covers handy to extinguish fire.
  • Use thermostatically controlled deep fat fryers for heating cooking oils.
  • Never pour water on a grease or oil fire; put a lid on it instead. This smothers the fire and keeps it from spreading.
  • Use baking soda on shallow grease fires and never turn on the overhead fan as this could spread the fire.
  • If a fire occurs inside your oven or microwave, immediately shut off the appliance, close the door and keep it closed.

      A house fire can become life-threatening within three minutes.

    • Last updated: Thursday, December 15, 2011
      Page ID: 2437

      County Hall: 2001 Sherwood Drive, Sherwood Park, Alberta, Canada T8A 3W7