It’s Fire Prevention Week – Are You Prepared?
Fire Prevention Week is Sunday, October 6, through Saturday, October 12. This year we’re focusing on Preventing Kitchen Fires. Did you know that more fires start in the kitchen than any other room in the house? Do you know how to prevent or stop fires in your kitchen?
The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) provides essential kitchen fire safety tips:
- Be on alert! If you are sleepy or have consumed alcohol don’t use the stove or stovetop
- When you fry, grill or broil food, stay in the kitchen
- Maintain a kid and pet-free zone at least 3 feet away from the stove
- Turn pot handles away from the stove’s edge
- Keep a lid and oven mitt nearby when you’re cooking to use in case of a grease fire
- If you have a grease fire, slide a lid over the pan, turn off the burner and leave the pan covered until it is completely cool
- If you have an oven fire, turn off the heat and keep the door closed
- When experience any of these, get out, close the door behind you to contain the fire and call 911
When was the last time your fire extinguisher was inspected for proper use? It may be time to replace it. Visit your local hardware store to pick up a replacement extinguisher today.
Cooking can be a fun way to bring friends and family together. Keeping these safety tips in mind the next time you’re in the kitchen can mean the difference between a fun time you look back on and a horrible memory.
