It’s crazy to think cooking is the number 1 leading cause of home fires! Grease flames literally take seconds to get out of control. When an unintentional fire starts, it’s easy to get in a panic—not knowing what to do and acting on first instinct. We’ve put together a list of do’s and don’ts as a general guide should you find yourself up against a grease inferno. First, let’s look over some prevention tips:

• Do you know what the leading cause of kitchen fires are? An unattended kitchen—especially when it comes to heating up oil or pan-frying. Just like you wouldn’t leave a lit candle by itself, do the same when it comes to cooking.
• Do use a deep and heavy-duty pan with a lid and thermometer to gauge the temperature of the oil—you can even graph its heat if you wish.
• Do keep an eye on the oil. If it begins to smoke or smell foul, turn off the heat source immediately.
• Don’t store oil or other flammables materials above or around your stove. Psst - see that tissue box next to the range in the picture above? That's a big no-no.

Should you find your oil catches fire:

• Do turn off the heat source.
• Don’t try to move the pot (even if you practice the “do” below). Moving your cookware can cause a flaming grease splash on you or your kitchen. With hot oil. Let’s not even go there.
• Do smother the grease fire flames with a metal pan lid or cookie sheet. You want to kill the fire’s oxygen source. Avoid using a glass lid as it will shatter under extreme heat and open flames.
• Don’t pour water, milk, flour or sugar onto a grease fire. These materials will cause explosive results.
• Do use baking soda or salt to put out flames. If you have a small grease fire, you can use either or of these materials; though, it will take quite a bit of both. You’re best bet is to use a pan lid.
• Don’t use anything but a dry chemical-based fire extinguisher made for grease fires. Make sure to aim at the base of the fire and not the flames.
• Do call 911 and evacuate. If you find the grease fire is out of control, don’t take a risk. It’s better to be safe than sorry.

Whew! Now, that’s done and over with.  We hope no one finds themselves in this situation… ever. Make sure to keep yourself safe out there, especially when cooking!

Do’s & Don’ts to Combat Kitchen Grease Fires