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Texas Department of Insurance
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Prevent kitchen fires with our cooking safety tips

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Cooking fires are the leading cause of home fires and home injuries, according to the National Fire Protection Association. The State Fire Marshal Office investigates several fires a year caused by cooking.

Follow these tips to stay safe

  • Stay in the kitchen while you use the stovetop. If you leave for even a short time, turn off the burner.
  • If you are baking or roasting food, check it regularly and use a timer.
  • Don’t leave home if the stove or oven is on.
  • Watch out for loose sleeves near an open flame.
  • Keep anything that can catch fire – oven mitts, wood utensils, food packaging, or dish towels – away from your stovetop.
  • Keep a lid handy to smother a fire.

If you have a cooking fire

  • If a pan catches on fire, cover it with a lid to smother the flames and turn off the burner. Leave the pan covered until it is completely cooled.
  • Never use flour or water to put out a pan fire.
  • If the fire is in the oven, turn off the heat and keep the door closed until the fire is out.
  • If you have any doubt about fighting a small fire, don’t. Get out! When you leave, close doors behind you to help contain the fire. Call 9-1-1 from outside the home.

Resources

 

Questions? Call us at 800-252-3439.

Last updated: 1/30/2024