Most home fires start in the kitchen—typically from unattended cooking, overheated oil, or clutter near heat sources. Simple habits and basic equipment stop small incidents from becoming emergencies.

Essentials

1. Stay with the heat: Never leave cooking unattended. Use a timer and stay within reach when frying, broiling, or grilling.

2. Control grease & heat: Heat oil slowly. Use the right pan. Keep lids nearby to smother small pan fires. Never use water on oil/grease.

3. Clear the zone: Keep towels, packaging, curtains, and sprays away from stovetops. Turn pot handles inward.

4. Right extinguisher: Keep a Class K/F (wet chemical) for deep-fat fryers. An ABC dry chemical or CO₂ for general appliance fires. Know Extinguisher PASS: Pull–Aim–Squeeze–Sweep.

5. Appliances & electrics: Use certified appliances. Don’t overload outlets. Keep cords off hot surfaces. Unplug small appliances when not in use.

6. Kids & clothing: Create a “kid-free zone” (1 m) around cooking. Avoid loose sleeves, tie back hair.

7. Ventilation & cleaning: Clean hobs, filters, and splash areas regularly to prevent grease build-up, maintain exhaust hoods/ducts.

8. Gas safety: Check hoses, valves, and connections. Ventilate the area. if you smell gas—don’t ignite switches, ventilate, isolate supply, and call for help.

Today’s quick check: Clear cooking zone ✓ Lid/fire blanket handy ✓ Class K/ABC extinguisher accessible ✓ Handles turned in ✓ Clean filters/surfaces ✓ Kids clear of the stove ✓