In the Kitchen

The kitchen contains many elements of common household accidents. You can minimize kitchen fire safety hazards by:

• Regularly checking oven pilot lights.
• Cleaning up accumulated grease.
• Not smoking cigarettes.
• Know the location, type and purpose of your fire extinguisher.
• Examine your extinguisher for any signs of damage or tampering.
• Know how to use your fire extinguishers.
• Avoid loose clothing that could get caught in flames or appliances.
• Use salt or baking soda to put out small flames. If anyone's clothing should catch fire, the rule is: Stop, Drop and Roll.
• Keep pot and pan handles pointed toward the back of the range top.
• If using a regular gas stove, turn off the flame before stirring, turning or flipping food and turn it back on when you are finished.
• If the stove is electric, warn children that it will stay hot even after it has been turned off.
• Putting things in or taking things out of the oven is for adults only.
• Never leave a child alone when cooking or within reach of any electrical appliance.
• Talk to children about safety precautions in simple, clear terms. Younger children need frequent reminders.
• Never leave appliance cords hanging from the counter top.

Electrical Problems

• Do not overload electric sockets.
• Have the wiring checked in an older home to make sure it meets current building codes.
• Check all appliances and extension cords for frayed or exposed wires. Open or damaged wires can start a fire.
• Professionally clean and service heating systems and furnaces annually. Poor ventilation and old wiring can cause fires. Also, make sure your system has an emergency shut-off switch.
• Never use a space heater as a primary source of heat. Do not leave space heaters in doorways or stairways and make sure they are nowhere near flammable materials such as upholstery and drapes. Do not add fuel to a portable heater that is still on or hot. The fuel could burst into flames.
• Unplug heat-producing appliances, such as toasters, space heaters and irons, that are not in use. On/Off switches can fail, leaving the appliance on.
• Use only appliances listed by Underwriter Laboratories (UL). They are tested for safety.
• Always use the proper fuses in your home. Never use pennies, wires or fuses of higher amperage than required to replace burned out fuses.

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