From The Trussville Tribune staff reports
CENTER POINT — The Center Point Fire District unveiled a list of safety tips on Monday night in an effort to educate people on proper safety practices while cooking in the kitchen.
With people encouraged to stay home and prevent the spread of the coronavirus, the threat of improper usage and lack of care in the kitchen means more calls for the fire department during a time when social distancing is the key to halt the spread of the deadly virus.
“I always encourage families to stay on top of home safety, and the current circumstances have disrupted our normal routines,” Center Point Fire Marshal Brandon Self said. “We are in our homes more than ever. We are doing more cooking, cleaning, working in the lawn, etc. These are not bad things, but we should be aware of the hazards that come along with these activities.”
The Center Point Fire District included the following safe practices:
- avoid distractions and never leave cooking unattended
- never store any item(s) in the oven or on top of the cooking range
- keep combustible materials away from the stove including oven mitts and dish towels
- avoid wearing loose shirt sleeves while cooking
- turn pot handles away from the stove’s edge
- never hold a child while you are cooking or carrying hot liquids
- children should have a 3-foot safety zone away from grills, stoves, or any other hot appliances
- microwaves or other kitchen appliances should be plugged directly into a wall outlet
- in the event of a cooking container fire, do not remove the lid
- in the event of a fire in the microwave, do not open the microwave door
- use only microwave safe dishes in the microwave and never put metal items in the microwave
- clean cooking appliances after each use
And remember, “A clean kitchen is a safer kitchen,” Self added.