Cooktops Are Top Culprits in Cooking Fires: As the holiday season approaches, local SERVPRO fire restoration specialist offers stovetop safety tips for home cooks

11/17/2021

From 2014 to 2018, the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) reports* that U.S. fire departments were called to an estimated average of 172,900 home structure fires related to cooking each year. During the Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays, the number of home fires caused by cooking peaks to an average of 470 fires each day. "These fires are tragic because they result in property damage, displacement of families, injury, and even death," says fire damage restoration specialist Ryan Wolfe of SERVPRO of Lawrence, Owen, Greene & Martin Cos.. "The thing that compounds the tragedy, though, is that there are some simple steps everyone can take to reduce the chance of a cooking fire." Wolfe urges homeowners to consider these basic guidelines for cooking safety:

Never leave food unattended on a range or cooktop. That's where 61 percent of home cooking fires start.
Never cook on the stove top when you are sleepy or intoxicated.
Use a timer to remind yourself that you are cooking.
Keep anything flammable - potholders, wooden utensils, towels, curtains, food wrapping - away from the stovetop.
If you must leave the kitchen for any period of time, turn off the stove.

Holiday parties and large family gatherings that were postponed last year because of COVID concerns are great to look forward to, but may add distraction in the kitchen, warns Wolfe. "Cooking is such a routine part of our days that it is easy to become complacent about these basic safety steps," says Wolfe, "but the statistics show that unattended cooking is the number one cause of home cooking fires and casualties. Whether you are cooking for the holidays or simply preparing an everyday meal, it is important to stay alert and focused on what's happening on and around your stovetop."

SERVPRO is an industry leader and provider of fire and water cleanup and restoration services. For more fire prevention and fire safety tips and information about fire and water damage restoration services, please visit www.servpro.com. For more information on SERVPRO of Lawrence, Owen, Greene & Martin Cos., please contact Ryan Wolfe at (812) 275-2244 or rwolfe@servproofmarion.com.

* https://www.nfpa.org/News-and-Research/Data-research-and-tools/US-Fire-Problem/Home-Cooking-Fires

6 Comments

1-800 Fire Damage Restoration link

2/24/2022 11:18:05 pm

Fire damage restoration is a process that helps to repair and restore a property that has been damaged by a fire. The restoration process begins with assessing the damage and creating a plan of action. The next step is to secure the property and make it safe for workers to enter. Then begin the cleaning process, which includes removing soot and smoke from the property. The restoration process also includes repairing any damage that was caused by the fire.

Dave Weilder link

5/10/2023 06:04:17 pm

Thank you for sharing this informative article about the dangers of cooking fires and how to prevent them, especially during the holiday season. It's important to keep in mind that accidents can happen in the kitchen, and taking preventive measures can go a long way in avoiding costly and potentially devastating fire damage to our homes. The tips provided, such as staying in the kitchen while cooking, keeping flammable objects away from the stovetop, and using a timer to remind us when food is done, are simple yet effective ways to stay safe while cooking. It's also a good idea to have a fire extinguisher nearby and to know how to use it in case of an emergency. Thank you again for raising awareness about this important issue.

5/18/2023 03:05:09 am

Dear Chamber of Commerce Bloomington,

I recently came across the article titled "Cooktops Are Top Culprits in Cooking Fires as the Holiday Season Approaches: Local SERVPRO Fire Restoration Specialist Offers Stovetop Safety Tips for Home Cooks" and found it to be a timely and informative read. The article highlights an important aspect of fire safety during the holiday season and provides valuable tips for preventing cooking fires, particularly on cooktops.

The statistics shared in the article regarding the frequency of cooking fires and their association with cooktops serve as a reminder of the potential dangers we face in our homes, especially during busy holiday gatherings. The tips provided by the local SERVPRO fire restoration specialist offer practical and actionable advice to help home cooks minimize the risk of stovetop fires and ensure the safety of their households.

I appreciate the emphasis on attentiveness, proper maintenance, and the importance of keeping flammable items away from the stovetop. These reminders are essential for preventing accidents and mitigating the potential for fire-related damage.

The inclusion of real-life examples and stories further underscores the importance of practicing safe cooking habits. It serves as a reminder that a momentary lapse in attention or neglecting safety precautions can have significant consequences.

I would like to commend the local SERVPRO fire restoration specialist for their expertise and for sharing these valuable safety tips with the community. By raising awareness and providing practical advice, they are playing a crucial role in promoting fire safety during the holiday season and beyond.

I would also like to express my appreciation to the Chamber of Commerce Bloomington for sharing this informative article. It is a testament to your commitment to keeping the community informed and safe.

Thank you once again for sharing this important information. I look forward to reading more valuable content from your organization.

Dave Hinson link

5/28/2023 12:11:15 am

I recently read your member news article titled "Cooktops Are Top Culprits in Cooking Fires: Local SERVPRO Fire Restoration Specialist Offers Stovetop Safety Tips for Home Cooks," and I wanted to express my appreciation for the important safety information you provided.

With the holiday season approaching, cooking-related fires become a significant concern for homeowners. Your article addresses this issue directly by highlighting the role of cooktops as the top culprits in cooking fires and offering valuable stovetop safety tips for home cooks.

I found your safety tips to be practical, easy to understand, and highly relevant. By emphasizing the importance of attentiveness, proper maintenance, and good cooking practices, you are empowering home cooks to take proactive measures to prevent cooking fires and ensure the safety of their households.

I appreciate how you discussed the potential hazards associated with different cooktop types, such as gas, electric, and induction cooktops. Your advice on using the appropriate cookware, keeping flammable materials away, and utilizing safety features like timers and child locks is valuable for readers to implement in their own kitchens.

Furthermore, your reminder to have a fire extinguisher readily available and knowing how to use it in case of emergencies is crucial information that can save lives and minimize property damage. By promoting fire safety preparedness, you are contributing to creating safer homes and communities.

One suggestion I would like to offer is to include visual aids or infographics alongside the safety tips. Visual representations can enhance the understanding of the recommended safety practices and make the information even more accessible and memorable for readers.

Overall, your article serves as a timely reminder for home cooks to prioritize safety and prevent cooking fires, especially during the holiday season. By providing practical safety tips and promoting fire safety awareness, you are making a positive impact in the community.

Thank you for sharing such important safety information and for your commitment to promoting a safe environment for all.

5/28/2023 08:14:25 pm

I recently read your member news article titled "Cooktops Are Top Culprits in Cooking Fires as the Holiday Season Approaches: Local SERVPRO Fire Restoration Specialist Offers Stovetop Safety Tips for Home Cooks," and I wanted to express my appreciation for addressing an important safety concern during the holiday season. The information and safety tips provided in your article are valuable resources for home cooks and help raise awareness about the risks associated with cooking fires.

Your article highlights the increased risk of cooking fires during the holiday season, particularly concerning cooktops. By bringing attention to this specific issue, you provide a reminder to home cooks to prioritize safety in the kitchen.

I found the stovetop safety tips shared by the local SERVPRO fire restoration specialist to be informative and practical. The emphasis on never leaving the cooking area unattended and using a timer as a reminder are crucial reminders for busy cooks. Additionally, the advice to keep flammable items away from the stovetop, such as kitchen towels and paper products, helps mitigate the risk of fire.

The inclusion of tips on handling grease fires, such as using a lid to smother the flames and turning off the heat source, demonstrates a proactive approach to addressing potential emergencies in the kitchen. These tips empower home cooks to take immediate action in the event of a grease fire and can help prevent the situation from escalating.

I appreciate that you also discussed the importance of having working smoke detectors in the kitchen and throughout the home. This reminder reinforces the significance of fire safety and early detection in protecting lives and property.

In conclusion, your member news article serves as a valuable resource for home cooks, especially during the holiday season when cooking activities increase. By providing stovetop safety tips and highlighting the risks associated with cooking fires, you contribute to creating a safer environment in the kitchen.

Thank you for addressing this important safety concern and sharing the valuable information provided by the local SERVPRO fire restoration specialist.

Jacoby Johnson link

5/31/2023 09:37:49 pm

Thank you for sharing your informative blog post on the risks associated with cooktops and the importance of stovetop safety, particularly as the holiday season approaches. Your article highlights a crucial aspect of home safety and provides valuable tips to prevent cooking fires and protect households during this festive time.

I commend you for drawing attention to the fact that cooktops are among the top culprits in cooking fires. It is important for home cooks to be aware of the potential hazards and take necessary precautions to ensure the safety of their families and properties.

Your safety tips for home cooks are concise, practical, and easy to implement. By emphasizing simple yet effective practices such as never leaving cooking unattended, keeping flammable materials away from the stovetop, and using timers as reminders, you empower readers to minimize the risk of cooking fires. Furthermore, your mention of the importance of having a fire extinguisher readily available and knowing how to use it is a valuable reminder of the importance of being prepared for emergencies.

Additionally, your suggestion to have a fire restoration specialist, like SERVPRO, on standby is an excellent recommendation. Having professionals who specialize in fire restoration readily available can make a significant difference in the event of a fire, ensuring that the damage is addressed promptly and efficiently.

While your article provides a strong foundation for stovetop safety, I would like to suggest a few additional tips for home cooks to consider:

Maintain a clean cooking area:
Encourage readers to keep their cooktops and surrounding areas clean and free from grease buildup. Regularly wiping down surfaces and ensuring proper ventilation can help reduce the risk of flare-ups and potential fires.

Use appropriate cookware:
Remind readers to use cookware that is suitable for their specific stovetop and cooking methods. The right-sized pots and pans with secure handles and lids can help prevent spills and accidents during the cooking process.

In conclusion, your blog post on stovetop safety and the risks associated with cooktops provides valuable information to home cooks, particularly as the holiday season approaches. By following your safety tips and considering the additional points mentioned, individuals can enjoy their cooking experiences while prioritizing the safety and well-being of their households.

Thank you once again for sharing this important message.

Cooktops Are Top Culprits in Cooking Fires: As the holiday season approaches, local SERVPRO fire restoration specialist offers stovetop safety tips for home cooks

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