Archive for June, 2009
Preventing Fire Damage in the Kitchen
The kitchen is one of the most dangerous rooms in your house as it contains many hazards and a high potential for unintentional fires such as frying pans, deep fry pans, oven, stove, appliances, and microwave ovens. Read the following safety rules carefully to learn how to prevent fire damage in the kitchen.
These are simple to follow guidelines for do-it-yourself inspections that will require very little time to complete. Be sure to be consistent and to perform these inspections regularly.
Frying Pans and Deep Fry Pans
Using a thermostat controlled fryer is a great way to prevent deep fry pans fires. Avoid fat and grease build up on the stove or pans because fat and grease can easily catch fire.
Oven and Stove
The oven and range must be cleaned often to prevent grease and food from catching fire. Be careful when you cook and keep pot handles away from the edge of the stove. Don’t wear long sleeves that can hang over the stove and catch fire. Always look on the oven when it is on and don’t forget to turn it off when not in use. Place flammable fabrics, such as towels, away from the gas or electric range. Be careful with flammable liquids such as cleaning materials.
Appliances
The most important safety rule for appliances is to use only appliances that have been tested and approved by a testing facility. Avoid overloading electrical outlets and check for worn or broken wiring on a regular basis. If you find defects be sure to make necessary repairs immediately. It is also very important to keep appliance cords on the counter to prevent them from, accidentally, being pulled down.
Microwave Ovens
A very common mistake regarding microwave ovens is the wrong assumption that items, heated in the microwave oven, are not as hot as items heated in a regular oven or a mini oven. Keep in mind that even though the container does not heat, the content does. Be sure all the vents are cleared of obstructions and that the microwave oven has an adequate clearance for air circulation. Never place aluminum foil or other metals in a microwave oven.