More fires start in the kitchen than anywhere else in the home and in 2010, there were 9,806 home fires in Massachusetts involving cooking…but that doesn’t mean you have to get rid of your stove or eat out all of the time.
There are several tips you can do to help reduce the chances of a fire starting from cooking:
•PUT A LID ON IT! Covering a pan fire with a lid is the safest way to put out a stovetop fire. Once covered, turn off the heat to the pan and leave the pan covered until it cools.
•Never move a burning pan. You can be badly burned or spread the fire.
•Never throw water on a grease fire. Water will only spread the fire.
•Stand by your pan. Be sure not to leave food, grease or oils cooking on the stovetop unattended.
•Wear short or tight fitting sleeves when cooking. Loose fitting clothing can easily catch fire.
•Stop, Drop & Roll to put out the flames if your clothes happen to catch fire. Place burned skin under cool running water and call 9-1-1.
•Keep pot handles turned inward to prevent accidental spills of hot contents.
•For fires inside an oven or microwave, KEEP THE DOOR CLOSED. Turn off the appliance, call 9-1-1 and exit the home, waiting outside for the Fire Department.
•Keep combustible objects such as pot holders, towels, paper or plastic bags away from heating elements.
•Do not store items inside of your oven.
Whether you are cooking the family dinner or a snack for the children, practicing safe cooking behaviors will keep you and your family remains safe. In the event of a fire, do not spend a significant amount of time attempting to put it out. Get out first, then call 9-1-1 and give them your complete address, the location of the fire and inform them as to whether or not anyone is still inside the house. No matter the reason, never go back into the house and remain outside at your safe meeting place in the front of your home.
These and other Fire Safety Tips can be found on the Mattapoisett Fire Department web page at www.mattapoisett.net. Any additional questions regarding Fire Safety, contact Lt. Patrick Saltmarsh at 508-758-4150 or by emailing: psaltmarsh@mattapoisett.net