Kitchen fire safety: USFA publishes immersive 360-degree video

Emmitsburg, MD — In an effort to raise awareness of kitchen fire hazards, the U.S. Fire Administration has produced an interactive video.

Between 2016 and 2018, U.S. firefighters responded to an annual average of more than 189,000 cooking fires in residential buildings. USFA estimates that these fires caused $443 million in property loss.

The agency’s 360-degree Kitchen Fire Safety video allows viewers to move their mobile device or use a mouse to pan around a simulated kitchen to learn about the hazards and how to fix them.

Among USFA’s tips:

• Don’t overload electrical outlets.
• Unplug small appliances when not in use.
• Make sure you’re awake and alert in the kitchen. Alcohol and some drugs can cause drowsiness.
• Move items that can burn, such as dish towels, boxes and curtains, away from the stove.
• Turn pot handles toward the back of the stove so they can’t be bumped or pulled over.
• Keep children and pets at least 3 feet away from a hot stove.
• Always keep a pan lid or baking sheet nearby when cooking so it can be used as a cover in case a small fire starts on the stovetop.