As a busy area, kitchens can be prone to situations and accidents that increase the risk of electrical hazards. You can minimize the risk by practicing the following tips:

1. Keep your kitchen dry and clean.

2. Do not overload your outlets. - As a general rule of thumb, only one appliance should be plugged into each outlet. Refrigerators, freezers, microwaves, and ovens all require a large amount of power to run them. Plugging another appliance into an occupied outlet can lead to tripping the breaker and may damage the appliance.

3. Ensure cables are not too close to heat. - If power cords are damaged by heat or start to melt, this can result in an electrical fire when plugging the appliance in.

4. Ensure that equipment and appliances near sources of water are properly grounded

Here are some of the steps you should follow to safely and quickly put out an electrical fire before it becomes life-threatening:

1. Unplug or Power off Electricity Where Possible

2. If the removal of power isn’t possible, any of the following methods are recommended:

Smother With Baking Soda - For small household electrical fires, baking soda is the best way to quickly and easily smother the flames. Baking soda works to block oxygen, which means the fire is not being fed.

Use a Fire Blanket or Heavy Item of Clothing to Put Out Small Fires - Fire blankets are suited for small fires, but if one is not on hand, a dense blanket or item of clothing will work. These also smother the flames, but it’s essential to be precise when using any materials – the wrong move could fan flames, making the problem worse. It’s essential to practice caution when using any materials to smother a fire. If the wrong materials are used, or the technique is incorrect, it can result in the fire spreading and becoming more dangerous. It’s important to aim any material directly at the base of the flames and to avoid fanning them.

Spray the Source of Fire With a Class C Fire Extinguisher - Electrical fires are defined as class C fires, which means that a class C fire extinguisher is the suitable choice to use in the event a fire occurs. Instructions for a specific extinguisher will be on the canister, so it’s important to read these carefully before starting. ABC fire extinguishers are also suitable for use in electrical fires, as they can handle different types of fires, including those involving combustible materials such as wood, paper, and textiles.