posted by Admin on Jan 28
A study by the National Fire Protection Agency reports that “cooking fires are the #1 cause of home fires and home fire injuries. More than half (55%) of home cooking fires started with the ignition of food or other cooking materials.” The grievous statistics being published by the NFPA are that: “During 2003-2006, U.S. fire departments responded to an average of 6,600 home structure fires per year in which a microwave oven was involved in ignition. These fires caused an annual average of three civilian deaths, 110 civilian injuries and $22 million in direct property damage.
 Cooking equipment fires are the leading cause of home structure fires and associated civilian injuries. These fires accounted for 40% of all reported home structure fires and 36% of home civilian injuries.- Twelve percent of the fires occurred when something that could catch fire was too close to the equipment.” Fire safety is something that should be relearned and not taken lightly. Use the stove only when you have the time and attention to devote to your culinary project. Don’t ever leave the kitchen if you are cooking with oil, if you are frying, grilling, or broiling food. If you are unavoidably called away, turn off the stove. Keep flammables away from your stove top. This of course seems obvious, but consider what can catch fire in your kitchen; food packaging and dish towels for example. Watch where you place those oven mitts and wooden cooking utensils. If these or other safety precautions fail and you fall victim to a kitchen fire, the NFPA advises: “Just get out! When you leave, close the door behind you to help contain the fire. Call 9-1-1 or the local emergency number after you leave. If you try to fight the fire, be sure others are getting out and you have a clear way out. Keep a lid nearby when you’re cooking to smother small grease fires. Smother the fire by sliding the lid over the pan and turn off the stovetop. Leave the pan covered until it is completely cooled.
For an oven fire turn off the heat and keep the door closed.” Garage fires carry an entirely different terror, especially when exposed to such hazardous chemicals and flammable materials as oxyacetylene, LPG, propane, gun powder, thinners, paints, alcohols, gasoline, oils, and magnesium, as well as fertilizers, pesticides, and other lawn care related materials. A clean organized garage is the first step in avoiding disaster. Unplug appliances, tools and equipment when you are done using them. Properly store or dispose of all combustible and flammable supplies including chemicals, paints, thinners, oils, solvents, pesticides, toxins, and fuel. Don’t hold on to things that could be considered a fire hazard. Take safety precautions. Be sure to have a fire extinguisher in the garage. Install a carbon monoxide alarm. The Flood Co.,, located just north of Salt Lake City, Utah, is one of Utah’s trusted clean up and restoration experts for both water and fire damages. They stress that: “Smoke residue and soot should be addressed as soon as possible. Smoke soot is highly acidic and within a few days, it can permanently damage many surfaces. An initial cleaning or neutralization of this strong acid should happen soon. Anyone who enters a heavy smoke or fire damaged area should wear personal protective equipment. Personal protective equipment consists of respiratory protection and may also include: goggles, hard hat, gloves and protective foot wear.” Garages and kitchens are just a handful of areas contributing to household fires. Consumers should take appropriate precautions to avoid electrical fires as well. In any event, have a plan, educate your family, and hold household fire drills. Should the unexpected happen, call a professional. After the trauma and chaos of disaster, take comfort and feel confident in knowing that clean up and restoration has been done correctly, and that your home is fully restored in both aesthetics and safety.
