We almost set our house on fire making popcorn on the stovetop. We stepped away from the kitchen for “just a minute”—when we heard the smoke alarm screaming, we knew it was the popcorn oil burning. Wow, did it smell bad. If our kitchen wasn’t open with 12 foot peaked ceiling over the stove, we would have had a house afire. National Fire Protection Safety “cooking safety” fact sheet says it well. “The leading cause of fires in the kitchen is unattended cooking. Most cooking fires in the home involve the stovetop.” Bingo, that was us.
- The experts recommend we “cook with caution”: stay in the kitchen and watch food that is frying, grilling and broiling. If you must leave the kitchen, turn off your stove.
- Food that is simmering, baking, roasting or boiling, should be checked on frequently. You can use a time to remind you to check on this food. If you must leave your home, turn off the cooking stove/oven.
- Move all flammable items away from your stovetop. This includes oven mitts, towels, wooden utensils, food packaging.
- The NFPA recommends a 3 foot “kid-free zone” which means children should stay 3 feet away from areas, including the stove, where hot food and beverages are being cooked and carried.
The National Fire Protection Association gives more information about cooking safety and how to fight a cooking fire at http://www.nfpa.org/assets/files//PDF/Public%20Education/CookingSafety.pdf
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