Your restaurant’s kitchen is the most significant part of the business, and it creates several fire hazards. However, to avoid fire damage repair, you can take measures that will reduce the risk of a blaze. Below are some strategies to employ in your kitchen. 

What Tasks Can Help You Avoid Kitchen Fires?

1. Maintain Electrical Equipment

Often, the kitchen has many different electrical appliances, such as blenders, toasters, and ovens. However, the wiring and cords can wear down over time, increasing the risk of a spark that creates a fire hazard. You should inspect all electrical equipment regularly for damage, paying close attention to the cords and outlets.

Also, schedule yearly professional maintenance for all kitchen appliances to check for damage that you cannot easily see. After closing the restaurant, unplug all appliances to prevent a fuse shortage at night that could cause a fire. 

2. Clean Grease

While grease is unavoidable in most commercial kitchens, you should manage it carefully to avoid issues that require fire damage repair. Grease is extremely flammable, and it can splatter around the area, allowing flames to spread.

Regularly clean all surface areas that accumulate grease, including the countertops, walls, ranges, grills, hood systems, and floors. Then, dispose of the residue away from the kitchen. 

3. Train Staff 

Make sure your entire staff, from cooks to servers, knows how to properly identify fire hazards. They should understand the location of breaker switches, as well as how to operate them. Then, create clear guidelines about the process and frequency of cleaning grease, and how to keep flammable materials away from the oven and stove. 

4. Never Leave Food Unattended

When cooking food, someone should always be monitoring it. Anything cooking over an open flame poses a significant fire hazard, as grease or oil can spill over and catch on fire quickly. Food that burns in the oven or microwave can also create a dangerous issue. If everyone on your staff must leave the kitchen for some reason, turn off all burners and heat sources while they’re away.

If you've experienced an electrical fire and need fire damage repair, trust SERVPRO of Windham & Windsor Counties. Since 1978, they have been providing disaster recovery services throughout the Windham & Windsor, VT, area. From biohazard and water cleanup to mold removal and fire damage repair, they are a trusted leader in disaster support. Call (802) 674-8004 or visit them online to request an estimate.