Distracted cooking can set the roof on fire

  • Published
  • By Master Sgt. Robert Leonard
  • Fire Prevention Office
SEYMOUR JOHNSON AIR FORCE BASE, N.C. --  In the United States, unattended cooking remains the leading cause of home fires. Many times, this results from people becoming distracted by other events going on in the house, be it tending to kids, becoming fixated on a TV program or talking on the phone. Sometimes improper cooking practices such as heating cooking oil at a fast rate is the culprit.

Whatever the reason may be, it is imperative that once the decision is made to start cooking, the necessary time and attention is allotted to the task.

Here are a few safety tips to use while cooking in the kitchen:

· Never leave the kitchen unattended while cooking...Watch what you heat.

· Do not cook if you are drowsy or feeling the effects of alcohol, medication or other drugs.

· Heat cooking oil slowly.

· Have a lid of equal diameter to the pan in use within reach.

· Turn handles inward to avoid bumping or knocking hot pots over.

· If cooking oil ignites do not try to move the pan! Use an oven mitt and carefully slide the lid on the pan to smother the fire.

· Turn the burner off and wait until pan cools to remove lid.

· Do not use water on a grease fire.

· Clean stoves regularly to remove grease or cooking materials that can ignite.

· Keep anything that can catch fire away from your stove top, especially towels.

Remember, if you have a fire that you feel is beyond your control, evacuate your house and call 911. Also, be sure to report all on-base fires, no matter the size, to the base fire department.

If you have any questions or would like to find out more about fire safety in the home, please contact the Seymour Johnson Fire Prevention Office at 722-3836.