The danger of explosions can come from some habits that you may not even realize are dangerous. Just a little negligence can have huge consequences.
Habits that can cause kitchen fires
Just a little negligence in the kitchen can cause a fire hazard. (Photo: The Today Show)
According to Eatingwell, Susan McKelvey, Communications Director of the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), points out the following kitchen habits that can cause fires.
Turning on the stove or oven but not supervising it
According to Susan McKelvey, you can be at risk if you are cooking something on the stove or baking in the oven and leave it unattended to do other things. This is one of the common causes of kitchen fires.
A report from NFPA shows that the leading cause of household fires is people not paying attention to food on the stove. Negligence, falling asleep, or the habit of leaving the kitchen while the stove is on all pose a fire hazard.
Leaving towels or gloves near the cooking area
Leaving gloves, towels… near the cooking area increases the risk of fires in the kitchen. (Photo: Sophie Allport)
Placing gloves, towels… near the cooking area may seem convenient but it is a kitchen habit that can cause fires. According to McKelvey, the presence of flammable objects near the stove is the second leading cause of cooking fires and the fourth leading cause of deaths and injuries from cooking fires.
It’s best to keep these objects at a distance. When you’re done using a paper towel or towel, immediately dispose of it or move it away from the stove to prevent fire hazards.
“Keep anything that can burn, like towels, gloves, plastic wrap and paper towels… at least one meter away from the cooking area and cooking equipment,” McKelvey said.
Being complacent with electric stoves
Households using electric stoves are at a higher risk of fires and heavier losses than households using gas stoves. (Photo: House Digest)
Although induction stoves, electric stoves, or infrared stoves do not produce direct flames, they can still cause fires if you are careless when cooking. According to McKelvey, statistics show that these devices account for 53% of cooking-related fires at home, causing 88% of fire-related deaths and 74% of fire-related injuries when cooking. Households using electric stoves are at a higher risk of fires and heavier losses than households using gas stoves.
Therefore, regardless of the type of stove you use, you should always stand by and supervise the cooking process; do not place any flammable objects near the induction stove or electric stove.
Keeping the handle of pots and pans facing towards oneself while cooking
When cooking, many people tend to hold the handle towards themselves without realizing that this is a kitchen habit that can cause fires. Although it may be more convenient and easy to handle, this habit can cause the pot or pan to tilt and spill.
In addition, during cooking, if the cooking oil accidentally catches fire, instinctively, you may grab the handle of the pot, pan and immediately place it in the sink to pour water, and this is a mistake. McKelvey advises you to turn the handle of the pot, pan towards the back of the stove. Place the lid nearby when cooking. If the cooking oil in the pot accidentally catches fire, remain calm, quickly turn off the stove, and cover it to suffocate the flame.
Allowing children and pets into the kitchen while cooking
Do not allow children and pets into the kitchen while you’re cooking, especially when there is no one else in the kitchen. (Photo: Children’s Mercy Kansas City)
For the safety of the whole family, you should not allow children and pets into the kitchen while cooking, especially when there are no other adults in the kitchen to look after them.
McKelvey advises that you keep children and pets at least one meter away from the cooking and food processing areas in the house.
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