To keep your kitchen safe from fires before you start cooking, follow these important steps:

1. Install Smoke Detectors:

• Put smoke detectors in and around the kitchen. Homes without working smoke detectors are 50% more likely to have fire-related injuries.

2. Keep a Fire Extinguisher Nearby:

• Have an approved fire extinguisher (Class K is best for kitchen fires) close by. Make sure you know how to use it! Around 75% of people don’t know how to operate a fire extinguisher correctly.

3. Clean Regularly:

• Clean up grease and food crumbs from the stove and hood often. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) says that cooking is the main cause of home fires, and grease plays a big part in them.

4. Watch the Heat:

• Never leave cooking food unattended. About 33% of home cooking fires happen because people walked away from the stove.

5. Know How to Handle Grease Fires:

• If you have a grease fire, do NOT use water! Instead, cover the flames with a metal lid or use a Class K fire extinguisher. Grease fires cause 46% of all cooking fires.

By getting your kitchen ready and knowing these fire safety tips, you can greatly lower the chances of fire emergencies while you cook. Stay safe!