The Fire & Life-Safety Group (FLS)

Kitchen Safety

According to the United States Fire Administration/National Fire Data Center, about 38,418 fires were caused by appliances in the year 2000. In response, FLS recommends the following:

             •  Verify all appliances' cooking top or oven racks are level

             •  Verify all appliances are located away from the sink, stove,                 and the edge of the counter

             • Verify all electrical cords are tucked away from the sink,                       stove, and the edge of the counter

             • Verify all cords to appliances are in good working order

             • Verify curtains and furniture are away from heat producing                  kitchen appliances and that they do not block heater vents

             • Verify exhaust hood and filter are clean

             • Verify all fire extinguishers are accessible and visible

             • We recommend appliances be unplugged when not in use

             • Storage on top or inside ovens should be prohibited

             • Combustibles should not be located near ignition                                          sources, such as stoves, toasters, and coffee makers

             • All spills on the stove should be cleaned up as soon as                           possible

             • The kitchen should be free of clutter

             • Other good housekeeping practices should be followed