What Should I Do If A Fire Starts In My Kitchen?

House fires can be devastating for residents, and many of them start in the kitchen. In the event that you are in the kitchen when a fire starts, it can be easy to panic, but knowing how to act could help you potentially avoid a complete disaster and a renters insurance claim.

The first thing to do if a fire breaks out in your kitchen is to stay calm. Assess the situation and make sure you have a clear path to the exit. If there is any doubt about whether or not you can contain the fire, always put your safety first and leave. Your renters insurance should provide coverage for any damage to your possessions, so don’t take any unnecessary risks.

Where the fire is in a pot or pan on the stove, you may be able to contain and smother it by placing a pan lid over the top. Always make sure your hands are protected by oven gloves or an oven mitt. Turn off the stove and wait until you are sure the fire is completely extinguished before lifting the lid. When the fire is in the oven, turning off the oven and keeping the door close may be enough to keep it contained.

Remember that it is not worth being a hero for the sake of a kitchen fire. Make your safety and that of your family your first priority and put your possessions and home second.

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