Handbooks and Publications - Fire Prevention | Page 6

Fire Prevention Tips

The following is a breakdown of special precautions to take in
specific areas of your home and for certain occasions and
circumstances:

KITCHENS
The kitchen is a common room in the house for fires, especially electrical, because
of the number of appliances located there. It is also an area in the house which
poses some of the greatest dangers to young children, in the way of hot burners,
scalding water and electric shock. The following is a list of recommended
precautions which could avoid a fire or accident in the kitchen:
1.
2.
3.

4.

5.
6.
7.

8.

Avoid letting grease accumulate in any part of the oven. A greasy broiler can
ignite even during preheating.
Never leave cooking oil on the stove unattended. A flame can ignite in just
seconds.
Avoid the use of extension cords whenever possible. However, if you must, be
sure to limit the number of cords in one outlet. 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.
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 its contents, possibly
resulting in a serious bum.
NEVER wear loose-fitting clothing around the stove. A bathrobe sleeve
dangling over a gas burner could result in serious injury.
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.
Periodically 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. Call the Fire Department. DO NOT position butane gas t anks near the
stove and use copper tubing rather than flexible rubber hoses.
DO NOT put appliances with hot surfaces near materials that can ignite, such
as paper and cloth. Be sure not to hang curtains, apron or other flammable
items near the stove.

DO NOT store food in cabinets directly over the stove. Children may be
tempted to climb onto the stove to reach the cabinet.
10. Always try to limit children's presence in the kitchen. Keep a fire extinguisher
in the kitchen, preferably near an exit and out of the reach of children.
9.

11. Never

leave pots on fire to be attended by children. Do not allow children to
light or extinguish (turn off) stove fires without supervision.

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