Here we are, smack in the middle of Fire Prevention Week. The theme put out this year by the NFPA is Cooking safety starts with YOU! Pay attention to fire prevention
When you think about it, it’s true. We all spend quite a bit of time in the kitchen, getting a cup of coffee, grabbing a snack from the fridge or cooking a meal and never give it much thought. However, cooking fires are the number one cause of home fires and injuries in the United States. A small fire that begins in the kitchen can lead to a larger fire that causes much more damage and could easily put you out of your home for an extended period of time. Here are some tips put out by the NFPA:
Cook with Caution”
- Be on alert! If you are sleepy or have consumed
alcohol don’t use the stove or stovetop. - Stay in the kitchen while you are frying, boiling,
grilling, or broiling food. If you leave the kitchen
for even a short period of time, turn off the stove. - If you are simmering, baking, or roasting food,
check it regularly, remain in the home while food
is cooking, and use a timer to remind you that you
are cooking. - Keep anything that can catch fire — oven mitts,
wooden utensils, food packaging, towels or
curtains — away from your stovetop.
If you have a small (grease) cooking fire and
decide to fight the fire… - On the stovetop, smother the flames by sliding a
lid over the pan and turning off the burner. Leave
the pan covered until it is completely cooled. - For an oven fire, turn off the heat and keep the
door closed.
If you have any doubt about fighting a
small fire… - Just get out! When you leave, close the door
behind you to help contain the fire. - Call 9-1-1 or the local emergency number from
outside the home.
REMEMBER, IF IN DOUBT, GET OUT! We still make house calls.
