December 2007

Safety in the Kitchen

For the Holidays and Beyond

 

• Never use your gas oven or range to heat your home.
• Natural gas flames should be blue. If flames are yellow or orange, do not use the appliance until it is checked by a licensed contractor.
• Do not wear loose fitting clothing while cooking; it could catch on fire.
• Always keep your gas range clean to avoid buildup, which can cause grease fires.
• Teach children how to be safe in the kitchen and keep them away from the range and oven.
• Keep the range clear of unnecessary items and any items that are flammable.
• Place pan handles toward the back of the range so that little hands do not grab them and so that they do not get knocked off accidentally.
• If a grease fire occurs, do not try to move the pan and do not use water to extinguish the flames. Instead, cover the pan with a lid if you can do so safely or douse the area with baking soda.
• Keep a fire extinguisher where it can be easily reached from the kitchen.
• Do not use aluminum foil to cover the oven. It can block air openings.
• Turn off the oven and burners as soon as you have finished cooking.
• Don’t bring foods to the table in the pots and pans you cooked them in. Instead, transfer them to a bowl or plate that won’t burn. If you have a casserole, place the dish inside a cover that will protect hands from the heat.

 

 

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