Your services do not end when the inspection does
Your services do not end when the inspection does
In today's fast-paced world, it's easy to get distracted and leave kitchen appliances unattended. According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), 28% of cooking fires involve unattended stoves, ovens, grills, and barbecues. However, even seemingly benign appliances can pose significant risks if problems occur when unattended. Other common appliances include toasters and dishwashers. Unattended appliances can lead to fires, injuries, and even fatalities.
How often have you found yourself leaving the kitchen for a moment while the cooktop was on, thinking "I'll be right back?" A random distraction can be dangerous by making you forget about what’s cooking. Flammable materials on the countertop can easily fall or be blown onto a hot cooking element, starting a fire. It's crucial to keep the area around the cooktop clear of flammables for safe cooking. The NFPA reports there are 173,000 fires annually caused by cooktops, with electric models being the most common.
Distraction can also lead to burning food or over heated cookware. I remember a roommate many years ago who burned a pot while making ramen because he left the room to answer the phone. Frying pans and woks can create additional hazards; splattered oil on the floor can create slippery areas, and hot oil can ignite fires, especially when cooking over a flame. Remember, if a pan ever catches fire, cover it with a lid, don't use water. Water can spread the fire out of the pan and onto the countertop or floor, potentially causing further damage and increasing the risk of a larger fire.
According to the NFPA, barbecues cause around 10,000 house fires annually. Grills and barbecues can easily ignite fires, especially when cooking fatty or oily foods. Residual food and grease can overheat and catch fire. It's important to clean your grill regularly, never leave it unattended while in use, and keep a fire extinguisher nearby. Placing barbecues too close to the house can also pose a fire risk, as the heat can melt or burn siding.
Toasters and toaster ovens may seem safe, but they can still pose risks. Heat from toasters can damage cabinets if they're placed too close or ignite flammable items. I've seen the undersides of several cabinets with burn marks, likely from toasters. I enjoy double toasting my bread – toast the bread, butter the bread, and toast a second time - but I always make sure the toaster is clear of cabinets and flammable things in the kitchen.
Dishwashers pose both a fire and water damage risk. The heating elements for drying dishes can overheat and cause fires. Older dishwashers may also have worn seals or solenoids that can fail to close and leak water. I once had a dishwasher leak late one night when I was about to go to bed. I heard a splashing sound and found water leaking out the dishwasher door onto the floor. It took me an hour drain the dishwasher and dry the kitchen floor. After that experience, I prefer dishwashers with easily accessible controls to quickly cancel the wash cycle.
Remember to try to remain in the kitchen when cooking. Keep the areas around your appliances clear of clutter and flammable materials. Run the dishwasher when home, not before going out or to bed. Lastly, when cooking, it is best to not wear loose-fitting or dangling clothing, which can catch fire. The NFPA has a two page "Be Fire-Safe in the Kitchen" that can be found at: https://www.nfpa.org/downloadable-resources/safety-tip-sheets/be-fire-safe-in-the-kitchen
