WATCH WHAT YOU HEAT

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 #1Watch 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 #2Keep 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 #3Dress 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 #5Water 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 #6Keep 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 #7Be 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 # 8If 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 #8If 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 #8If 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. 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!

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