Mastering a fire-free kitchen

Keep your eyes and ears open

One tiny distraction is all it takes for your dish to burn or, worse, for a fire to start.

Stick close to the stove when you’re cooking, especially if you’re working with hot oil or high temperatures.

Set a timer so you never forget a dish in the oven or on the burner.

Make sure you’re in tip-top form when cooking – fatigue and distractions don’t mix well with boiling pots and sizzling pans. Just a brief moment of inattention can have major consequences!

Gear up like a pro

Using the right kitchen equipment is also key to preventing fires. For example, opt for an electric deep fryer over a pot of hot oil on the stove. It's safer and does a better job at keeping the temperature in check.

Always keep a lid handy to smother a budding fire.

When it's time to update your kitchen gear, go for heat-resistant utensils and pots with metal handles instead of plastic ones.

Now you can cook with peace of mind.

Leave Netflix in the living room

When you're cooking, it’s not the time to binge-watch your favourite show on Netflix.

Screens can easily grab your attention and make you forget that you have a pot on the stove or dish in the oven. A split second of distraction is all it takes for food to burn or, worse, a fire to break out.

If you want to cook safely, minimize distractions and focus on your culinary masterpiece instead. You’ll enjoy your show much more once your meal is ready, believe me!

A safe and tidy work area

A clutter-free work area can significantly reduce your kitchen fire risk.

Keep flammable items like dish towels and paper towels well away from the heat.

Make sure pot handles aren’t sticking out where they might get knocked over, and regularly clean your surfaces to remove any grease that could catch fire.

The fire extinguisher and fire blanket, your top allies in the kitchen

If a fire does occur, having a fire extinguisher and a fire blanket at the ready can be a total game changer.

A small flame can quickly escalate if you’re not equipped to handle it.

Make sure your extinguisher is suited for kitchen fires and that you know how to use it.

A fire blanket is also super effective at smothering flames, especially if it’s an oil fire.

Keep these items in an easily accessible spot and check them regularly. It's always better to be prepared!

Smoke and carbon monoxide detectors? Life savers!

Smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are essential for keeping your kitchen, and the rest of your home, safe. They can alert you quickly in the event of a fire or gas leak, giving you precious time to act before things get out of hand.

Install them near the kitchen, but not directly above the stove to avoid false alarms.

Check their batteries and functionality regularly. A functioning detector is like having a guardian angel by your side.

And what about your tenant’s insurance?

Preventing a kitchen fire isn’t just about protecting yourself...it’s also about looking out for your roommates, neighbours and even your pets.

In the meantime, take out tenant’s insurance to cover your property and civil liability.