Fire prevention starts in your kitchen

Is something burning in the kitchen? According to the National Statistics Board, 25.9 percent of fire incidents nationwide from 2010 to 2013 were caused by unattended open flame. 

“As March is recognized as Fire Prevention Month, it is the perfect time for homeowners to fireproof the most delicious room in the house—the kitchen,” says RJ Buenaventura, Philips General Manager for Consumer Lifestyle. 

The kitchen is one of the biggest fire hazards inside the house, making it a top priority in terms of home safety. Last year alone, more than 150,000 of home fires were said to have started inside the kitchen.

But with simple easy-to-do tips, RJ says you can make a big difference in creating a safer home for you to live, work, play, and cook in.

Keep your eyes on the pan

“Neglect is the primary cause of kitchen accidents,” says JC Gallegos, Business Development Manager for Philips Kitchen Appliances. “Keep your attention on what you are cooking and try to avoid leaving it unattended.”

Unattended cooking—particularly open flame—causes more injuries, deaths, and property damage than all other causes of home fires. 

Have a fire extinguisher within reach

Where you place your fire extinguisher is very important. Fire safety hazards recommend storing it 10 feet away from the stove, preferably in a place near the kitchen exit. 

Its weight should also be considered. Make sure that everyone in the family can lift the fire extinguisher and knows how to use it.

Keep the kitchen clean

Good housekeeping plays a big role in ensuring kitchen safety. Dispose rubbish, paper, and other flammable materials properly. Also, try to avoid storing items near or on the stovetop. Since these surfaces generate a lot of heat, it can quickly start fires from wrappings and product packages. 

Go flameless in the kitchen!

If open flame is the root of kitchen fires, why not entirely take it out of the equation? 

“Flameless cooking solutions, like induction cookers, can fire up your meals without the flame,” shares Gallegos. “They definitely add an extra layer of protection for your home and are safer to use as well.” 

The Philips Induction Cooker offers superior, flameless cooking appliance. It also cuts cooking by 1/3 and better seals in the nutrients of food, making it a perfect partner for health aficionados. What’s more, it comes with a host of smart features that allow for effortless cooking. 

Make sure everything is turned off

After you’re done using the kitchen, be sure to pull out all the electrical appliances you used. 

Buenaventura adds, “Diligence plays a big role in minimizing fire hazards. Making sure that appliances are powered down does not only ensure the safety of your home, it’s also a basic principle in energy savings.”

He closes, “From practicing the right kitchen habits to investing in fireproof cooking partners, there are a lot of simple ways to keep a bird’s eye view of your home and your family’s safety.”