Most fires in the United States begin in the kitchen as a result of cooking. Please protect yourself by following these guidelines.
Cooking Safety Tips
- Always turn on the stove exhaust fan if available
- Cook only where permitted at SCU
- Keep cooking areas clean and clean of combustible materials (e.g. food packaging, potholders, rags and towels)
- Never leave cooking food on the stove top unattended
- Never place metal products in the microwave
- Never plug a microwave into an extension cord
- Turn pot handles inward so they cannot be bumped
In The Event of a Stove Top Fire
- If safe, turn off the burner
- If safe, smother the flames with baking soda
- Never pour water on a grease fire
- Never discharge a fire extinguisher onto a pan fire since it can splatter the burning grease out of the pan and spread the fire
- Exit the area and close the door
- Call Campus Safety Services at (408) 554-4444 and pull the fire alarm pull station to notify others in the building
Additional Resources
- 9 Fires – Michael H. Minger Foundation
- Cooking Safety – Michael H. Minger Foundation
- Cooking Safety – National Fire Protection Association
- SCU Housing Fire Safety Poster