When learning new cooking methods and stovetop skills, it's easy to become over exuberant, spill hot grease, and start a small cooking fire. Even a small fire can result in smoke damage, charring, messy cleanup, and the hassle of a home insurance claim. To help you avoid such problems, the tips below outline how to stay safe while cooking in the kitchen.

5 Tips to Prevent Cooking Fires for New Cooks

1. Take Care When Lighting Burners

If the burner does not ignite right away, don't let the gas or propane keep flowing as you wait for combustion. Turn off the knob and allow the gas to dissipate for several seconds before trying again. You don't want to see a fireball when it finally ignites.

2. Turn Pan Handles Away from You

Kitchen Safety 101 suggests you turn the handle of any pot or pan away from you after stirring; you don't want to accidentally bump into it and knock it off the stove. This is particularly important when frying foods in grease, since a spill can ignite a fire and lead to a home insurance claim.

3. Don't Cook on a Dirty Stove

Grease from previous meals is a combustion risk. Wipe up spills and spatter after every use. You should also be using a grease-cutting cleaner like white vinegar.

4. Always Remain in the Kitchen

Never leave the kitchen while a burner is on. If you must run into the other room, turn off the flame first. Problems can arise in an instant when you are not watching. Before you know it, you may have to file a home insurance claim. 

5. Install a Smoke Detector

A smoke detector is essential for any household with a new cook. It will notify you when toast is burning, when cheese has dripped off your pizza onto the oven bottom, or if you've sautéed something too much. Don't install it inside the kitchen, but rather 10 feet or so away to avoid annoying false alarms.

For help designing a home insurance policy that guards your property against kitchen fires and more, contact Edwards Insurance Agency in Sparta, WI. They have been serving Monroe County residents and businesses for more than a century and provide invaluable guidance navigating claims and policies. In addition to home insurance, they also specialize in boat and car insurance, which makes them a one-stop provider for all your coverage needs. Visit their website for their office hours or call (608) 269-4512 to request a quote.