According to the National Fire Protection Association, about 40% of all house fires start as a result of cooking related incidents. For example, a fire may begin from an oven or stove being left unattended.

Considering this unfortunate fact, it’s important to make sure that all the necessary fire protection methods have been used to minimize the risk of a fire starting in the kitchen. Here are just a few of the most effective steps that can be taken.

Make Sure the Smoke Alarm Works. – One of the easiest ways to prevent kitchen fires from starting is to make sure that the smoke alarm is working properly. These fire protection devices will go off when there’s an elevated risk, thusly allowing a person to deal with the situation. In order to make sure smoke alarms are in good working order, commercial fire protection services recommend that they be tested once a month, have their batteries changed twice a year, and replaced every six years.

Keep a Fire Extinguisher Nearby. – Fire extinguishers are incredibly effective means of fighting fires. A survey from the National Federation of Fire Equipment Distributors found that fire extinguishers were able to successfully put out 95% of fires in reported incidents. Keeping one of these in or near the kitchen is a great way to put out a fire in the event that one ignites.

Don’t Leave the Kitchen When Cooking. – Perhaps the simplest, most obvious way to prevent fires from starting in the kitchen is to stay vigilant when cooking. If something’s starting to burn, it can then be dealt with even before the smoke alarm goes off.

By ensuring that a fire alarm system is in good working order, keeping a fire extinguisher handy, and staying vigilant when cooking, homeowners can safely minimize the risk of a fire starting in the kitchen, where the majority of fires start. If you have any questions, feel free to share in the comments.