Kitchen safety and appliances

The kitchen is often described as the ‘heart of the home’, but did you know it’s also the room where more home fires start than any other?

By following some simple safety guidance, you can help to make your kitchen a safer space.

Keep doors closed at bedtime

Close internal doors at bedtime, particularly the kitchen door - in the event of a fire, this can help prevent flames and smoke spreading to other rooms.

Cooking

Fires can often start when things get forgotten or overlooked so please remember to:

never leave cooking unattended - it’s easy to get distracted, particularly if you have young children.
if you have trouble remembering, why not use a timer to remind you there is something cooking?

When you’re cooking...

keep it clear - make sure the cooker, hob and the area around it is clear of clutter, with nothing left on top of the hob
keep it clean - keeping the hob, oven, grill and grill pan clean can help to stop grease from cooking catching fire or smoking
avoid cooking if your medication makes you sleepy or if you have been drinking alcohol
when using the hob, keep pan handles away from surface edges so that children and pets cannot knock them over
avoid using chip pans or deep fat fryers, especially older ones that do not have a thermostat

If you are older or have health problems...

Did you know there are different living devices available, such as automatic cut-offs for cookers? As part of a free Safe and Well Visit from Kent Fire and Rescue Service, we can fit devices such as these through our partnership with other organisations. Get in touch for more information

Appliances in your kitchen

Kitchen fires can also happen when electrical appliances such as tumble dryers, dishwashers or washing machines catch fire. Fortunately, there are things you can do to help prevent this happening.

For any appliances you may have, remember to always fully read and comply with manufacturers’ instructions, make sure you keep the appliances in good working order, and register them with the manufacturer.

Washing machine

ensure your washing machine is not left in standby mode for long periods after use
never run your washing machine overnight or while you're out of the house

Tumble dryers

always clean your tumble dryer filters regularly - the fluff that builds up can catch fire if not removed!
some items are not appropriate or the wrong size for tumble drying – check the manufacturers’ instructions particularly if you’re drying quilts or sleeping bags
never leave your tumble dryer running overnight or while you're out of the house

Fridges and freezers

defrost your appliance regularly so that the motor does not overwork and overheat
always allow air to flow around fridges and freezers - at least 2cm is recommended by most manufacturers

Dishwashers

avoid overloading your dishwasher - it can cause overheating and leaks
always follow the manufacturer's instructions about positioning and ventilation of the machine
clean filters and other user serviceable parts to prevent blockages and wear
using recommended tablets and powders can prolong the life of your dishwasher
never leave your dishwasher running overnight or while you're out of the house

Did you know: dishwashers use a lot of electricity. Make sure yours has a dedicated power socket to help prevent overloading.

Using electricity safely

Other ways to help you stay safe in the kitchen it to check you are not overloading power sockets and registering your appliances for recall safety advice. Our Electrical Safety pages tell you how.