Fall Fire Safety Tips for Your Holden, MA Home

10/4/2021 (Permalink)

If your home or business suffers fire or smoke damage, contact SERVPRO® of Worcester to help make it “Like it never even happened.”

The fall season brings cooler temperatures, beautiful colors, and an abundance of outdoor activities. Plan ahead this season to help ensure it is safe from potential fire hazards.

According to the National Fire Protection Agency, cooking fires are the number one cause of home fires and injuries. The leading cause of fires in the kitchen is unattended cooking. Here are some helpful hints when cooking your fall family dinners.

• Stay in the kitchen while you are frying, grilling, boiling, or broiling food.
• If you are simmering, baking, or roasting food, check it regularly, remain in the kitchen while the food is cooking, and use a timer to remind you that you are cooking.
• Keep anything that can catch fire, like oven mitts, wooden utensils, food packaging, or hand towels, away from the stovetop.

If you have a cooking fire, consider the following safety protocols to help keep you and your family safe.

• Just get out! When you leave, close the door behind you to help contain the flames.
• Call 911 or the local emergency number after you get out safely.
• For an oven fire, turn off the heat and keep the oven door closed.
• If you try to fight the fire, be sure others are getting out and you have a clear path 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.

If you are doing any outdoor cooking around a fire pit, consider the following to keep it a fun, but safe time for all:

• Check the wind conditions prior to starting the fire. Wind can make it hard to light the fire or blow embers around to surrounding brush or structures.
• Always have a fire extinguisher or water source nearby, like a water hose or water bucket.
• Never leave the fire unattended.
• Keep all children and pets at least three feet from the fire.