1. WATCH WHAT YOU HEAT Presented by Lt. Beverley Walker Hall County Fire Services

2. Kitchen Fire Facts and Figures Kitchen fires cause hundreds of fatalities and injuries every year. Kitchen fires are the number one cause of home fires in American The appliance is not the problem; the “appliance operator” is!

3. What’s the Problem? The most common fires happen when people make mistakes using appliances and things that can burn In other words, it has to do with the choices we make and our understanding of the impact those choices have on safety issues

4. Other Problems that Create Fire Risk Busy Lifestyles Ordinary Distractions Special Distractions Fatigue Health Issues Many others

5. What’s the Solution? Recognizing the cause of the problem is a start on discovering the solution When people learn what starts fires, they can learn how to prevent them and keep their homes safe Nearly all home fires can be prevented

6. Kitchen Safety Tip #1 Watch What You Heat Most kitchen fires occur from cooking that is left unattended. SO… Never leave cooking unattended – for any reason!

7. Kitchen Safety Tip #1 - More If you must leave the kitchen, turn down the burner or turn it off Take something with you, like a dish towel or hot pad, to remind you Set a timer

8. Kitchen Safety Tip #2 Keep It Clean Drippings from food and grease can catch fire quickly Wipe up spills as soon as they occur Clean stove and oven regularly

9. Kitchen Safety Tip #3 Dress Safely Wear tight-fitting clothing when cooking Loose hanging clothing or sleeves can catch fire easily

10. Kitchen Safety Tip #4 Mind the Kids Especially if you are not used to having children in the house Never leave children unattended in kitchen Establish a “kids free zone”

11. Kitchen Safety Tip #5 Water and Grease Don’t Mix Grease fires, that is Never apply water to a grease fire Use something to smother the fire – the lid to the pot, baking soda Only for a small fire

12. Kitchen Safety Tip #6 Keep a Fire Extinguisher Handy It should be a multi- purpose extinguisher (A, B and C fires) Make sure it is easily accessible Use it only for small fires Use only if you feel capable!

13. Kitchen Safety Tip #7 Be Safe with Outdoor Cooking Use barbecue grills outdoors only Keep grills away from homes, kids playing and combustibles Watch fires and hot coals at all times

14. Kitchen Safety Tip # 8 If Fire Breaks Out If on stove top, smother the fire with the lid or baking soda Never try to carry pan outside, or move it to sink If needed, leave and call 9-1-1

15. Kitchen Safety Tip #8 If Fire Breaks Out If in the oven, leave the door closed! Turn oven off Leave the door closed until fire goes out Call 9-1-1 if necessary

16. Kitchen Safety Tip #8 If Fire Breaks Out If in the microwave, leave door closed Push stop button Unplug microwave Leave door closed until fire goes out

17. Additional Kitchen Safety Tips Hot oil is dangerous. Cook with care, caution and attention Turn all pot handles in Think “safety” around the microwave Protect yourself from burns and scalds Do not store combustibles near the stove

18. Other Fire Safety Measures Smoke Alarms Install on every level of your home, especially outside sleeping areas Make sure they work! Test one a month, change battery twice a year (if necessary)

19. Additional Fire Safety Tips Space Heaters Give space heaters space – at least 36” of clearance from anything combustibles Never leave on at night or when leaving home Make sure they are in good condition

20. Additional Fire Safety Tips Smokers Need Watchers Empty ashtrays often Run water over them before dumping Look for cigarettes that might have fallen or been dropped Never smoke in bed!

21. Additional Fire Safety Tips Candle with Care Blow out candles when leaving the room or going to bed Use sturdy holders Place away from combustibles Do not let children have in their rooms

22. Additional Fire Safety Tips Match and Lighter Safety Keep matches and lighters locked away from children Do not leave them in pockets or purses Teach children matches and lighters are tools

23. In Closing… Being aware of the causes of fires can help us prevent them from occurring Learn from the mistakes of others! NEVER think “it won’t happen to me” because it can and will! It is imperative that we guard our cooking safely!

24. All it takes is a few simple steps to keep fires from occurring in our homes