Safety Tip

Put a Lid on It!

A pot of cooking oil on a red-hot element is a recipe for disaster! In seconds, the oil can overheat, burst into flames, and cause a house fire that can quickly spread out of control. Protect yourself and your family from serious burns or even death by following these basic precautions.

Deep Frying

• Do not heat oil or shortening in a regular pot on a stovetop element.
• Always use a deep fat fryer with a thermostat designed to prevent oil from igniting.
• Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for proper care and cleaning of your fryer.

Pan Frying

• Use an electric frying pan with a thermostat and a light coating of oil on the bottom of the pan.
• When using a frying pan on a stovetop burner, opt for a non-stick spray rather than a layer of oil.
• When using a gas stove, carefully regulate the flame to avoid flare-ups around the pan.
• For stir-frying, preheat the pan before adding oil. The pan is ready if a teaspoon of water “skitters” or dances across the surface.

Oven Cooking

• Keep your oven clean. Grease and food splatters can ignite at high temperatures, leading to an oven fire.
• Always follow the cooking instructions for your recipe or product.
• When broiling, place the oven rack 5 to 8 cm (2 to 3 inches) from the broiler element. Place a pan beneath the broiler rack to catch fat drippings. Do not use aluminum foil—accumulated fat can catch fire in the foil.

More Safety Tips

• Keep flammable items, such as paper towels, pot holders, curtains, and dishcloths, well away from your stovetop.
• Keep the stovetop and fan unit clean to prevent grease buildup.
• Loose clothing is a burn hazard. Roll up your sleeves and ensure no clothing is near hot elements.
• Keep a charged fire extinguisher nearby. Contact your local fire department for advice on placement and use.
• Plan and practise a fire escape route with your family.
• Never use a stove as a heating appliance.

What to Do in an Emergency

Oven Fires

• Turn off the heat.
• Close the oven door and keep it closed.
• Use a fire extinguisher if you have the correct one and know how to use it.

Cooking Oil Fires

• Never use water to extinguish a cooking oil fire — this will make the fire flare up and spread.
• Cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid or slide a cookie sheet over it to smother the flames. Turn off the burner.
• Turn off the overhead fan to prevent the flames from spreading.
• Do not move the pot — the flaming oil could spill, burning you and spreading the fire.
• Do not pour burning oil down the sink!

Remember…

The Office of the Fire Marshal and your local fire department urge you to use only thermostatically controlled deep fat fryers.

If you can’t put out a fire quickly, leave the building immediately and call the fire department for help.