Significance

• According to the National Fire Protection Association, 30 percent of all residential fires in the U.S. begin in the kitchen. Over 29 percent of fire-related injuries and 15 percent of fire-related deaths result from fires that began in kitchens. There are between 100,000 and 200,000 kitchen fires in the United States each year, causing hundreds of fatalities, thousands of injuries and costing millions in damages. Ninety percent of these fires are caused during cooking.
  
  

Time Frame

• There is typically no big increase in kitchen fires during various months or seasons, except for a slight decrease of kitchen fires during the summer months. The theory behind this is that people go on vacation during the summer and therefore are simply home less to cook. There is an obvious peak in kitchen fires between 6 p.m. and 8 p.m., presumably because people are at home making dinner. The lowest number of fires occur at night and in the early morning, when most people are sleeping.
  
  

Prevention/Solution

• Prevention is the best way to protect your home and family. Keeping your hair and clothing away from flames is essential; as such, avoid loose-fitting clothing or long sleeves that hang off the arms while cooking. Keep long hair tied back. Unplug electrical appliances such as toasters, hot plates and coffee pots when not in use. These can be inadvertently turned or left on, sparking a fire. Keep flammable items away from heat or potentially hot surfaces. Never use metal items inside of a microwave.
  
  

Considerations

• Know what to do in case you ever do encounter a kitchen fire. Consider installing a home sprinkler system, at least in your kitchen if not throughout your home. Check with your insurance agent, as this may lower your homeowner's insurance premium. Keep a fire extinguisher accessible in the kitchen, learn how to operate it, and have it tested or replaced annually. Use a metal pan lid or baking soda to extinguish a grease fire.
  
  

Warning

• Never try to extinguish a grease fire with water. You also should not use a glass pan lid to try to put one out, as the heat could cause it to shatter. Never try to carry an item that is on fire outside, as you could be seriously injured. If the fire gets out of control, get everyone out of the house immediately and call 9-1-1.