Whether you're cooking at home, in a campus residence, break room, or kitchenette, it's important to follow basic fire safety guidelines to protect yourself and others.
Stay focused while cooking The leading cause of kitchen fires is unattended cooking. Always stay in the kitchen while you are frying, grilling, broiling, or microwaving food. If you need to step away, even briefly, turn off the heat.
Keep your cooking area clear Flammable items such as oven mitts, paper towels, food packaging, and wooden utensils should be kept at least a few feet away from the stovetop. A clutter-free workspace reduces the risk of accidental fires.
Be prepared for a small fire + Always keep a lid nearby when cooking. If a small grease fire starts in a pan: Do NOT use water. + Carefully slide the lid over the pan to smother the flames. + Turn off the burner and leave the pan where it is. + Keep the lid on until the pan is completely cool to prevent the fire from reigniting.
Know when to get out If the fire grows or you feel unsure: + Get out immediately. + Close the door behind you to help contain the fire. + From a safe area, call Public Safety.
For questions, contact Health Safety & Environment at hseinfo@jhmi.edu
