Fire Safety

How do I prevent kitchen fires?

Kitchen fires are the leading cause of home fires. Follow these safety tips to prevent cooking fires:

  • Stay in the kitchen when frying, grilling, or broiling food
  • Keep flammables away from the stovetop (towels, packaging, curtains)
  • Turn pot handles inward to prevent spills and burns
  • Keep a lid nearby to smother grease fires - never use water
  • Have a fire extinguisher within easy reach of the kitchen

If a grease fire occurs, turn off the heat and cover the pan with a metal lid. Never carry a burning pan outside. If the fire grows beyond the pan, evacuate and call 911.

More Answers About Fire Safety

Fire Safety
Can I have a control burn?
Control burns in Johnson County, Texas are allowed as long as there is not a burn ban.  You must have water available and someone must be with the fire at all times. If you plan to conduct any outdoor burning, when a burn ban is not in effect, please contact... Read The Rest
Fire Safety
How do I create a home fire escape plan?
Every household should have a fire escape plan and practice it twice a year. Follow these steps to create your plan:Draw a floor plan of your home showing all rooms, doors, and windowsMark two escape routes from each room (door and window)Choose a meeting place outside and away from the... Read The Rest
Fire Safety
Do I need a carbon monoxide detector?
Yes! Carbon monoxide (CO) is an odorless, colorless gas that can be deadly. Every home should have at least one CO detector on each level, especially near sleeping areas. CO detectors should be installed if you have:Gas appliances (furnace, water heater, stove, dryer)Fireplace or wood-burning stoveAttached garageAny fuel-burning equipmentReplace CO... Read The Rest
Space Heaters Need Space
Space heaters are involved in roughly one-third of all home heating fires. Keep them at least three feet away from anything that can burn — furniture, curtains, bedding, and clothing. Always plug them directly into a wall outlet, never an extension cord, and turn them off when you leave the room or go to sleep.
Cooking Fires Are the #1 Cause
Cooking is the leading cause of home fires and home fire injuries in the United States. Unattended cooking is by far the biggest contributing factor. Never leave the kitchen while something is on the stove, and keep flammable items like towels and paper away from the burner.