| It is often said the kitchen is the heart of the | | | | burner off or remove the pan from the stove. |
| home. One thing is for sure; gathering around the | | | | The smoke from the oil means the oil is getting |
| kitchen table for a home cooked meal is | | | | too hot and could burst into flames at any |
| something many families look forward to as a | | | | moment. |
| chance to come together, not only enjoy the | | | | If you do happen to have a grease fire, never |
| good food, but in many cases it is the one time | | | | try to put it out with water. Water will not put |
| of the day the whole family is together. Family | | | | out a grease fire and, in fact, can make it more |
| meals are to be a time of family bonding, | | | | dangerous and cause more damage. Baking Soda |
| relaxation and nourishment. | | | | is one option for putting out a grease fire, |
| A home cooked meal takes planning; from the | | | | although a large pan lid is actually the preferred |
| shopping, to the preparing, to the actual cooking | | | | option of most cooks. Because a grease fire is |
| and serving of the meal. However, one thing | | | | one of the most common fires in the kitchen, it is |
| many cooks do not take the time to plan for is | | | | always wise to plan ahead and keep a large pan |
| fire safety in the kitchen. The idea of preparing | | | | lid near the stove while you are cooking with oil. In |
| for fire safety can make the difference between | | | | the case of a grease fire, a large pan lid can be |
| success in the kitchen or actually having a disaster | | | | placed over the flames to smother the fire. |
| on your hands. | | | | Without oxygen a fire cannot burn. Time is of the |
| Although all kitchens are designed differently, it is | | | | essence when a fire first begins. Did you know |
| very important every kitchen has a fire/smoke | | | | that a fire can double in size in just 30 seconds? |
| detector. So, first things first; if you do not have | | | | So keeping fire fighting supplies close at hand and |
| a smoke detector, you need to install one | | | | knowing where they are is important. Keep a |
| immediately. Battery operated detectors are | | | | container of Baking soda near your cooking area |
| inexpensive and very easy to install. After the | | | | as it also works quickly to smother a fire. |
| simple installation, make sure new batteries are | | | | When cooking at home you have to realize you |
| installed and check to insure the detector works | | | | must keep safety in mind at all times. The |
| properly. Also, it is important new batteries are | | | | potential for a fire is there no matter how |
| installed twice a year. A good schedule to follow is | | | | experienced of a cook you are. It is important to |
| New Years Day and June 1st of every year. Mark | | | | have a good fire extinguisher handy in your home; |
| these dates on your calendar so you will always | | | | in fact, you should have one fire extinguisher for |
| have a reminder. It also is best to check your | | | | each level of the home and keep them in a |
| alarm every week to make sure it is working. | | | | convenient place for just such an emergency. As |
| Sunday is a great day to make sure your alarm is | | | | a safety measure when there is a grease fire in |
| in working order. You start the year off knowing | | | | your kitchen; try other methods before a fire |
| your batteries are new and you start each week | | | | extinguisher. Due to the dry chemicals in an |
| with the reassurance your alarm is working | | | | extinguisher, everything around the spray is |
| correctly in case of a fire. | | | | contaminated. |
| There are also other precautions you can take to | | | | There are several different types of fire |
| help reduce the chances of having a fire in your | | | | extinguishers. You will need to do your homework |
| kitchen. First and foremost, keep flammable items | | | | to decide which one is appropriate for your |
| away from the stove or any other heat | | | | particular household needs. Choosing the right kind |
| producing appliances. Teach family members not | | | | of fire extinguisher for your kitchen is very |
| to place towels, paper, or cardboard boxes on the | | | | important to the safety and well-being of the |
| surface of the stove; whether it is on or not. | | | | residents in your home. Cover all the bases when |
| Turn off appliances or unplug them when they are | | | | purchasing your fire extinguisher; chose one that |
| not in use. | | | | will put out a grease fire as well as an electrical |
| Once cooking begins in the kitchen, it is important | | | | fire. By taking just a little time to practice fire |
| never to leave the stove unattended. Turn all pan | | | | safety awareness and equip your kitchen |
| handles inward toward the back of the stove so | | | | properly; you will be ready if a kitchen fire occurs. |
| that pans of food or liquid are not accidentally | | | | A little time taken in advance could very well save |
| knocked over onto the hot surface. When | | | | a meal, save a kitchen and even save a life. Of |
| cooking with oil, it is very important to keep the | | | | course, everyone would agree that is time well |
| burner under supervision at all times. If your | | | | spent. |
| cooking oil begins to smoke, immediately turn the | | | | |
