In the first, my detached garage burned down after I discarded some two-day-old charcoal from the grill, and the second resulted from my using a blowtorch to burn off old paint around the exterior of a window.
I also almost lost a brand new kitchen I designed when the homeowner removed a teakettle from a halogen burner and went to answer the phone. When he returned the wall cabinet to the left of the cooktop was scorching. Fortunately he had a 36" hood over a 30" cooktop, or he would have returned to a full-blown fire...Lucky for both of us. Phew! Ever since I have related that story and encouraged clients to buy only halogen cooktops with a limiter that turns the burner off when a pan is removed.
Most home fires start in the kitchen. As a kitchen designer, I can tell you we are haunted by the possibilities. There have been many times over the years when I have refused to design or draw something a client wanted because it was a fire hazard.
I would rather resign a commission and leave the job than expose myself and my clients to fire hazards.
I received this link today, from the San Mateo County Fire Service. There are great tips for reducing fire danger in the kitchen and dealing with a fire if one happens.
Read and be safe.
Peggy
Cooking is the leading cause of home fires, according to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA). The latest statistics from NFPA say that one out of every three home fires started in the kitchen and more than 100,000 fires a year were related to cooking.
Here are a few safety tips to remember:
Stay in the kitchen when you are frying, grilling, broiling, or boiling food. If you must leave the the room even for a short period of time, turn off the stove.
Keep cooking areas clean and clear of combustibles (e.g. potholders, towels, rags, drapes and food packaging).
Keep children away from cooking areas by enforcing a “kid-free zone” of three feet around the stove.
If you have a fire in your microwave, turn it off immediately and keep the door closed. Never open the door until the fire is completely out. If in doubt, get out of the home and call 911.
Always keep an oven mitt and a lid nearby. If a small grease fire starts in a pan, smother the flames by carefully sliding the lid over the pan (make sure you are wearing the oven mitt). Turn off the burner and slide the pan off the burner.
Never pour water on a grease fire. If the fire does not go out, get out of the home and call 911.
If an oven fire starts, turn off the heat and keep the door closed to prevent flames from burning you or your clothing. If the fire does not go out, get out of the home and call the fire department.
To avoid the accumulation of grease, always clean the vent screen above your stove. You can put these in the dishwasher! If you cook frequently with oils, butter, and grease, make sure to clean it at least once a month.
Keep a fire extinguisher in the kitchen and learn how to use it.
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