Kitchen Fire Safety
Preventing Home Fires
Home Fire Safety Tips
Home fires caused by cooking related accidents continue to be one of the leading reasons for most residential fires, according to the National Fire Protection Association. Many of these fires can be prevented with proper education and preventive measures. Below is a check list of home-related fire safety tips.
Smoke Detectors
- Install at least one smoke detector on every level, near bedrooms, and in the garage.
- Test batteries monthly and replace them annually.
- A good way to remember is to change batteries when you turn the clocks back in the fall.
- Clean your smoke detector of dust and cobwebs once a month to ensure it’s in proper working condition.
Safe Cooking
- Take care to prevent grease build-up in the stove or range hood – most kitchen fires involve oil or grease.
- Use a pan or skillet lid to smother grease fires. Never use water, as it causes ignited oil to splatter.
- Baking soda will extinguish small grease fires
- Wear short, close-fitting or tightly rolled sleeves when cooking. Loose clothing can dangle onto stove burners and catch fire if it comes into contact with a gas flame or electric burner.
- Stay in the kitchen when you are frying, grilling, or broiling food. If you leave the kitchen for even a short period of time, turn off the stove.
- Children should not play around the stove, and never leave a stove unattended.
- Keep flammable items such as towels and curtains away from the stove.
- Keep a fire extinguisher in the kitchen and know how to use it.
Safe Smoking Habits
- Use child-resistant lighters.
- Keep matches and lighters out of reach of children.
- Never smoke in bed.
Fire Drills
- Draw a map of each level of your home and show all doors and windows. Find two ways to get out of each room. Make sure all doors and windows that lead outside open easily.
- Only purchase collapsible escape ladders evaluated by a recognized testing laboratory. Use the ladder only in a real emergency.
- Teach children how to escape on their own in case you cannot help them.
- Have a plan for everyone in your home who has a disability.
- Practice your fire escape plan at night and during the daytime.
- Practice your family fire drill at least twice a year.
Portable Heaters
- Keep heaters at least three feet from anything flammable.
- Turn off heaters when leaving the house or going to sleep.
- Plug heaters directly into wall outlets.
- Keep children and pets away from all heating appliances.
As always Penny Hanley and Howley Insurance is here to assist you in the unfortunate event you suffer a home fire.
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