How Fires Can Happen

3/8/2024 (Permalink)

Mistakes can happen while cooking, and that’s why being prepared is key. You can protect your home from a kitchen fire, especially young children living in the home, by teaching about kitchen fire safety. Putting safety plans into place is always a great idea. If you can extinguish the fire before it gets out-of-hand, that would be best to limit the amount of damage in your home. Be prepared to think quickly and determine if the fire can be put out without risk of injury or endangering any of your family members. Always put safety first. Smoke inhalation is the number one cause of death in home fires. Not to mention, smoke causes just as much damage to the home as the fire itself. There is a five second rule of thumb that firefighters use. They say that if you cannot extinguish a fire within five seconds then dial 9-1-1 and get out of the house. Make it a priority to review at least once a year what to do in case there is a fire in your home so your family members know exactly what to do. After the fire is put out and everyone is accounted for and safe, you can always count on your friendly neighborhood experts at SERVPRO of Fayette County to help you put your home back together.  Here is a list of things to have established in a place of home when it comes to fire safety. These items are ultimately for your safety, and the safety of your family members and family. 

Kitchen Appliances Cooking is the leading cause of home fires in the United States. A fire can start from:  

• food left unsupervised on a stove or in an oven or microwave  
• grease spills 
• a dish towel too close to a burner 
• a toaster or toaster oven flare-up 
• a coffee pot accidentally left on 

Tips for using the stove:  Always supervise kids while cooking.  Turn all pot handles in so they can't be knocked over. Don't wear loose-fitting clothing that could catch fire around the stove. 

Cigarettes According to the National Fire Prevention Association (NFPA), cigarettes are the No. 1 cause of fire deaths in the United States and Canada, killing about 1,000 people per year. Most fires start when ashes or butts fall into couches and chairs.  If you smoke: 

• Be especially careful around upholstered furniture. 
• Never smoke in bed. 
• Make sure cigarettes are completely out before you toss them into the trash. 

Matches and Lighters Playing with matches is still the leading cause of fire-related deaths and injuries for kids younger than 5 years.  

• Always keep matches and lighters out of children's reach. 
• Store flammable materials such as gasoline, kerosene, and cleaning supplies outside of your home and away from kids.

It's good to practice fire safety with your family. There are also steps you can take to protect your home and prevent fires in your home.

If you’ve experienced fire damage or water damage, SERVPRO of Fayette County is here to help. Our technicians are fully trained in fire remediation, and our 24⁄7 Emergency Line means we’ll be there for you when you call.

Tracie "Dusty" Nichols

724-628-3022