Fire prevention: kitchen safety

7/11/2019 (Permalink)

Any kind of fire can be a devastating event. According to the National Fire Protection Association Thanksgiving is the peak day for home cooking fires, followed by Christmas Day and Christmas Eve. Kitchen fires can start rapidly but knowing what to do in case of a fire can help minimize further potential damage.

Here’s a few tips that can help prevent a fire:

• Stay in the kitchen

If you’re boiling, or frying or cooking with high temperatures, you should stay in the kitchen to prevent any mishaps. Many fires we deal with are the result of people forgetting they have something cooking on the stove.  Most fires start with a high temperature, if you notice smoke or the grease begins to boil, turn off the burner immediately.

• Clean your oven and stove top

Any lingering grease or foods can easily spark a fire. Make sure your stove top and oven are clean before cooking.

• Keep a fire extinguisher near

If a small fire has started, you may be able to control the flames with a small fire extinguisher. Also, keep a large pan lid around in case of a fire occurring. You may be able to snuff out a small fire in a pan by covering it with a lid to starve the fire of oxygen and put it out.  If you feel like the fire is uncontrollable, evacuate everyone in your home and call 911.

• Double check your smoke alarm

Double check that your smoke alarms are functioning properly by testing them every six months.  A good practice is to test the units and make sure the batteries are good or replaced when you adjust the clocks for daylight savings time in the spring and fall.

SERVPRO of West Brown County handles fire damage

By taking precautions now, you can help prevent future fire from happening in your home. SERVPRO of West Brown County is ready to help in case of any fire in your home and clean up any remaining soot and odor. SERVPRO of West Brown county will make your home look “Like it never even happened.” after a kitchen fire.