Stay Safe From Summer Cooking Fires To Avoid Damage Cleanup

Field fresh corn on the cob. Picnic perfect fried chicken. Just caught fish. And those famous steaks and burgers– charred on the grill. Seasonal favorites set the tone for a fun summer but  home fire injuries can be very dangerous.

According to a report by the National Fire Protection Association (NAPA), American fire departments responded to an average of 466 home cooking fires per day. Cooking caused almost half of the reported home fires and home fire injuries. and one in five home fire deaths. More than half (55%) of reported non-fatal home cooking fire injuries occurred when the victims tried to fight the fire themselves.  

GW Savage wants you and your family safe this summer. Here are some facts and some tips for cooking with care and avoiding fire damage and the cleanup that can follow. 

At The Stove

Cooking equipment was the leading cause of home structure fires and civilian fire injuries. To put that into perspective, fire departments responded to an estimated average of 170,200 home structure fires that involved cooking equipment per year; almost half of them were caused by cooking.

Ranges and cooktops accounted for the majority (62%) of home cooking fire incidents and an even larger share of civilian deaths and injuries. Electric ranges have a higher risk of fire and associated losses than gas ranges. Other cooking devices like toaster ovens, microwaves and hotplates can also malfunction and cause trouble. And keep the area clear — oven mitts, wooden utensils, food packaging, towels or curtains.

• Be on alert! If you are sleepy or have consumed alcohol, don’t use the stove or stovetop.
• Stay in the kitchen while you are frying, grilling, boiling, or broiling food.
• If you are simmering, baking, or roasting food, check it regularly, either remain in the kitchen while food is cooking, and use a timer to remind you that you are cooking.

• Never pour water on a grease fire. Instead of running with the pan, turn off the stove, put the lid on the pan and let the fire die out from lack of oxygen. 
• If you see a fire in the oven, don’t open the oven door. Instead, turn off the oven and keep the door closed.  
• Don’t use your oven for storage.
• Keep a lid nearby when you’re cooking to smother small grease fires. Smother the fire by sliding the lid over the pan and turn off the stovetop. Leave the pan covered until it is completely cooled.

Around The Kitchen

Air fryers, microwaves, coffee makers, toaster ovens, even fondue pots can catch fire as well. Be diligent at checking electrical cords; discard if they are frayed. Don’t let cooking pots run dry.

Flammable materials too close to the grill is another common cause of house fires and damage cleanup. Loose clothing, towels, long hair, loose papers, recipe books, and structures are all flammable objects often close to grills that could potentially ignite.  

For Fire Damage Cleanup In Burlington

GW Savage fire damage cleanup professionals have the necessary tools and training to respond to fire and  water damage. For more than two decades, they have provided full-service restoration services in Vermont, Northern New York and Western New Hampshire. 

When disaster strikes your home, the first thing on your mind is getting your life back together. G.W. Savage responds quickly and efficiently to disasters of any size to begin the restoration process as quickly as possible. Our highly trained professionals are equipped to restore your home to its pre-loss fire damage condition as soon as possible.