next articlefire safety in the kitchen
Many fires, especially electrical fires, begin in the kitchen because of the number of appliances located there. The kitchen is also an area in the home which poses some of the greatest dangers to young children, in the way of hot burners, scalding water and electric shock. Take the following precautions to help avoid a fire in your kitchen:
1. Avoid letting grease accumulate in any part of the oven. A greasy broiler can ignite even during preheating.
2. Never leave cooking oil on the stove unattended. A flame can ignite it in just seconds.
3. Avoid the use of extension cords whenever possible. If you must use them be sure to limit the number of cords in one outlet. Too many cords going to one outlet can cause overheating and result in sparks. Be sure to use a proper gauge extension cord, especially with high wattage appliances. Have all frayed and broken cords professionally repaired. DO NOT attempt to repair them yourself with electrical tape.
4. Keep handles of pots and pans turned inward on the stove. Should a fire start, the flame will be confined to the stove area. This precaution will also deter a child from grabbing the handle and spilling the pots contents, possibly resulting in a serious burn.
5. NEVER wear loose-fitting clothing around the stove. A bathrobe sleeve dangling over a gas burner could result in serious injury.
6. When lighting a gas appliance, light the match before turning on the gas. Be sure to turn your face away in case of a flashback from gas buildup.
7. Check all pilot lights and stove burners for leaks. To check for gas pipe leaks, wipe a soap solution on the pipe. Bubbles will indicate a leak. Contact your gas company IMMEDIATELY if you are unable to locate the leak.
8. DO NOT put appliances with hot surfaces near materials that can ignite, such as paper and cloth. Do not hang curtains, aprons or other flammable items near the stove.
9. DO NOT store food in cabinets directly over the stove. Children may be tempted to climb onto the stove to reach the cabinet.
10. Keep a fire extinguisher near the kitchen.