Cooking and Fire: Some Alarming Statistics

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Food for Thought

Cooking is not only fun and rewarding but can also be dangerous if safety measures are not maintained. As the holidays approach, cooking intensifies, and it's essential to be vigilant about safety. Here are some alarming statistics that should raise awareness about the importance of cooking safely:

• Cooking fires are the leading cause of home fires and injuries. • Every year, there are over 100,000 home fires related to cooking equipment, resulting in nearly 300 deaths and over 4,000 injuries. • Unattended cooking is the primary cause of home cooking fires. • Three out of ten reported home fires originate in the kitchen, making it the most common area for fires. • Among kitchen fires, two-thirds start on the stove. • Electric stoves have a higher risk of causing fires, injuries, and property damage compared to gas stoves, while gas stoves carry a higher risk of fire-related deaths. • A study by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission found that 75 percent of stove fires were caused by food ignitions, with 45 percent involving cooking oil and 63 percent occurring during frying.

(Source: The National Fire Protection Association - www.nfpa.org)

At Team Eat This!™, we urge you to be extra careful and prioritize safety whenever you cook. Protect yourself, your loved ones, and your home by taking precautions and being aware of potential risks. Happy and safe cooking!

 

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