Pay Attention to Fire Prevention
The National Fire Protection Association’s (NFPA) Fire Prevention Week is October 8-14 this year. The NFPA mascot, Sparky the Fire Dog, helps communicate a theme each year. For 2023 he reminds us that “Cooking Safety Starts with You.” The NFPA provides the following information in their quest to spread awareness about fire prevention.
1. Cooking fires are the number one cause of home fires and home injuries.
Cooking safety may seem like a topic that affects only kids and parents, but this statistic suggests everyone should should pay attention. In fact, unattended cooking is the main culprit of these fires. Never leave the kitchen when a cooking device is being used and always keep an eye on a hot stovetop.
2. Keep a kid-free and distraction-free area around the oven.
Creating a meal or a snack with kids is a great way to teach them responsibility and how to be safe in the kitchen. However, this should be done with extreme caution, and from a distance if a flame or other heat source is going. Children should be taught to stay about 3 feet away from the oven and stove while someone is using them as well. Anything that can catch fire like oven mitts, wooden utensils, food packaging or kitchen towels should also be kept away from the stove.
3. Cook with Caution.
Be careful about paying attention to the task at hand. 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 cooking at lower temperatures or in the oven, check it regularly and stay at home while it’s cooking. Using a timer to remind you that you are cooking is a great tip! It’s easy to become distracted and forget you have something in the oven.
4. Know what to do if a fire happens.
If you have a small fire on the stovetop, smother the flames by placing a lid over the pan. Turn off the burner and leave the lid on until it is completely cooled. For an oven fire, turn off the heat and keep the oven door closed. However, if you have any doubt about fighting a small fire, just get out of the kitchen and leave the home. Make sure to close the door to help contain the fire. Call 911 or from outside the home, like at a neighbor’s, if you don’t have your cell phone.
National Fire Prevention Week is a great time to review your home and office emergency escape plans. Check out our blog post from last year about escape plans.
Cultris Security can help keep your family safe in a fire emergency. Contact us online or call us at 281-506-8466 to discuss your options for a custom fire alarm system.
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