Keep Your Kitchen Clean: Grease and food particles can build up on surfaces and equipment, increasing the risk of fires. Regularly clean your cooking appliances, exhaust hoods, and ductwork to prevent grease buildup. A clean kitchen is a safer kitchen!

Practice Safe Cooking Habits: Never leave cooking unattended, and always stay in the kitchen while food is cooking on the stove or in the oven. Keep flammable items like kitchen towels, paper towels, and aprons away from heat sources. Use timers to remind you when food is done cooking to avoid accidental fires.

Maintain Your Kitchen Equipment: Make sure your cooking appliances are in good working condition. Check for frayed cords, loose connections, or any other signs of wear and tear that could pose a fire hazard. Regular maintenance and inspections can help prevent equipment malfunctions that may lead to fires.

Install and Maintain Fire Suppression Systems: Kitchen fire suppression systems are specifically designed to quickly extinguish fires that start on cooking appliances. These systems typically include automatic fire suppression agents and automatic fuel shutoff mechanisms. Ensure your system is installed correctly and inspected and maintained regularly by qualified professionals.

Know How to Use Fire Extinguishers: Fire extinguishers are important tools for quickly putting out small fires before they can spread. Make sure you have the right type of fire extinguisher for your kitchen (Class K extinguishers are specifically designed for cooking oil and grease fires) and that your staff knows how to use them properly. Remember the acronym PASS: Pull the pin, Aim at the base of the fire, Squeeze the handle, and Sweep from side to side.