Fire Prevention Tips for Cooks

Posted on April 22, 2011 by Joshua

Suppose you are frying chicken, and the oil you are using catches fire. What do you do? Do you douse it with water? Do you take the time to grab your fire extinguisher to put out the fire yourself? Or, do you call 911, and get your family out of there?

The best advice, from the start of your cooking is to be present. Just like you wouldn’t leave a small child in the bathtub by themselves, you shouldn’t leave the stove, oven or grill unattended. Be aware of what is going on in the moment, and keep a fire extinguisher close by. Most of all, have a plan in place. If a fire does happen, you and your family should know what to do next.

As far as the questions above, never put water on a grease fire. The water can cause the grease to splatter, thus spreading the fire. And, if you are unable to put the fire out with an extinguisher, call emergency services, and get your family out to a pre-determined location. This gives you and your family the best chance at a safe exit in the event of a fire.

Posted in Fire Prevention Tips | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

Understanding Chimney Swifts

Posted on April 20, 2011 by Joshua

Chimney Swifts are small birds that typically build their nest in chimneys or abandoned buildings. These migratory birds leave in early November to winter in the Amazon Basin of Peru. They return to the continental United States in late march.

The entire nesting process takes about 30 days. Both sexes participate in nest building and incubation of the eggs. At around day 28, the young hatchlings will start to leave the nest. Soon after, all of the birds will leave the nest.

The nests that these birds build are highly flammable, and must be removed. However, you can’t do that until the nest is empty. The Migratory Bird Treaty Act (MBTA) prohibits people from taking migratory birds, their eggs, feathers or nests. In total, 836 bird species are protected under the MBTA.

So, remember that Chimney Swifts are not to be disturbed until they leave the nests. However, once they are gone, it is highly recommended that you remove the empty nests.

 

Posted in Chimneys | Tagged , | Leave a comment

Make Sure Your Children Are Aware of the Fire Hazards at Home

Posted on April 17, 2011 by Joshua

I just read a sad story out of Lincoln, Nebraska. A child playing with a cigarette lighter started a fire that caused $50,000 in damage. Thankfully, no one was hurt, but it highlights a great need for educating our children about fire prevention.

Here are some helpful talking points for teaching kids about fire prevention:

  • Kids shouldn’t play with power cords, and should definitely not put anything like a fork or knife into an outlet.
  • Don’t put anything over a lamp. Blankets and other cloth items can catch fire when a lamp gets too hot.
  • Don’t play around in the kitchen. Kids should always consult with an adult before trying to cook anything.
  • Children should avoid playing with matches, lighters and candles.
  • Don’t touch radiators and heaters. These items are very hot, and can start fires very easily if knocked over.

Just remember, kids are smart. They want to do the right thing. You just need to give them a little direction.

 

Posted in Fire Prevention Tips | Tagged , | Leave a comment

Being Safe with a Charcoal Grill

Posted on April 14, 2011 by Joshua

Last time we talked about gas grill safety. Today, we’d like to discuss how to be safe with a charcoal grill. While it doesn’t involve as much flammable liquids, there are still plenty of dangers to be aware of. Here are some things to keep in mind to maintain a safe environment:

  • Make sure the grilling area is a no play zone! Keep children and pets well clear until the grill is cool.
  • Make sure the grill is at least a yard away from other objects. This definitely is the case with the house, but also includes other grills, tables, trees and shrubs.
  • Make sure the charcoal is completely cold or doused in water before you throw it out.
  • If you use starter fluid, only use fluid specifically made for charcoal lighting. Do not use any other flammable liquid, such as gasoline.
  • Loose clothing is not recommended. Charcoal fires can emit burning embers that will set clothing on fire.
  • Never use a charcoal grill indoors, in a garage or under any overhang. Not only is it a fire hazard, but it’s also a large carbon monoxide poisoning risk.

Here’s some more safety tips from the good folks at Lowes:

Posted in Fire Safety | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

Being Safe with a Gas Grill

Posted on April 11, 2011 by Joshua

‘Tis the season to pull out the pork ribs (or beef), get them nice and seasoned, and throw them on the grill. Many people have a more difficult time with charcoal grills. So instead, they use a gas or propane grill. There are hazards with using both, but today we’ll focus on gas grill safety.

For starters, here are some not-so-fun facts involving gas grill use in the U.S. from the National Fire Prevention Association (NFPA):

  • In the years 2004-2008, fire departments responded to an average of 7,700 fire involving grills, hibachis or barbecues.
  • Gas grills were involved in over two-thirds of those fires.
  • More than a quarter of house structure fires involved grills on a patio, terrace or courtyard.
  • Flammable liquids were the item first ignited for half of grill fires during that time.

Obviously, it goes without saying that you need to be careful when operating your gas grill. Here are 2 helpful videos from the NFPA that highlight gas grill safety.

Posted in Fire Safety | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

Lint Is Highly Flammable

Posted on April 7, 2011 by Joshua

We’ve talked a lot about the need for regular cleaning of your dryer vent. Nonetheless, we’d like to emphasize exactly how flammable lint is. It’s always good to be reminded.

Dryer Vent fires can be more common than chimney fires. Think about it, everyone assumes that you need to have your chimney inspected and cleaned. The very word “fireplace” hints at the dangers of not cleaning your chimney. However, it’s not as obvious, unless you have prior knowledge, that your dryer vent should have the lint cleaned from it.

Many of you have probably seen this Farmer’s Bureau Insurance commercial recently. It does a really great job of showing the flammability of lint by using humor. Take a look.

Posted in Fire Prevention Tips | Tagged , | Leave a comment

Workplace Fire Safety

Posted on April 5, 2011 by Joshua

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has guidelines that all employers must follow regarding fire safety. These rules were born out of preventable tragedies like the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory Fire in New York City in 1911. There, nearly 150 women and young girls died because of locked fire doors and ineffective fire extinguishing systems.

Here is an overview of the current OSHA workplace fire safety standards:

  • Building Fire Safety Exits – Every workplace must have at least 2 fire safety exits. These exits must not be blocked or locked at any time. The building must have unobstructed exit routes, and those exits must be clearly marked.
  • Portable Fire Extinguishers – Each building must have a full compliment of working fire extinguishers. Any employee expected to use them, must be trained in how to use them. These fire extinguishers have to be properly maintained. If an employer does not wish the employees to fight a fire, clear escape plans must be developed and posted.
  • Emergency Evacuation Planning – Employers need to have a written evacuation plan that is clear and understandable. New employees should be trained in this plan, and current employees must be notified when changes are made.
  • Fire Prevention Plan – Employers need to inform their employees about any fire hazards that may accompany their jobs. Procedures should be in place for handling of all flammable substances. New employees should be trained in this plan, and current employees must be notified when changes are made.
  • Fire Suppression System – Buildings need to have a working and maintained system to suppress any fire that may occur. A sprinkler system would be an example.

These regulations are not just for show. They have saved lives, and if followed, will continue to do so. Employers must not think of them as a burden, but as an investment in their business and employees. If you believe your company is in violation of their safety obligations, you have the right to file a complaint with OSHA.

Posted in Fire Safety | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

Springtime Fire Prevention Tips

Posted on April 1, 2011 by Joshua

It’s starting to get very nice outside, but we need to remember some very important fire prevention tips. The last thing you want is for that beautiful spring day to be ruined by a preventable fire. Here are some things to remember.

  1. Check your smoke detectors and carbon dioxide detectors. Make sure they are clean, and the batteries work.
  2. Ensure that your fire extinguisher is functional, and has been inspected.
  3. When using charcoal grills, never use gasoline to light the fire. Also, don’t add lighter fluid once the fire has started.
  4. Grills should be at least 10 away from the house. Also, never use them inside a garage or under an overhang.
  5. If using a propane gas grill, check your propane hose for any cracks. If you find some, replace immediately.
  6. Never store propane inside your house.
  7. Make sure all chemicals are kept under lock and key; outside the reach of children and pets.
  8. Make sure there are no water leaks near electrical outlets or appliances.
  9. Replace any frayed or damaged electrical wiring.
  10. Make sure your family has an escape plan, should a fire happen.

There is no reason you and your family can’t have a wonderful spring. Just follow these tips, and you’ll be doing your best to make sure that happens.

Posted in Fire Prevention Tips | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

Bonfire Safety

Posted on March 29, 2011 by Joshua

Bonfires are a staple of outdoor gatherings, especially in the fall and spring seasons. They can be a fun way to bring people together. Nonetheless, it is always a good idea to follow some simple rules for staying safe and injury-free.

First, make sure you choose the correct location. The fire should be at least 25 feet away from any building or vehicle. You’ll also want to avoid building the fire near low hanging branches. Basically, keep the fire away from things that can easily catch on fire.

Next, you’ll want to build a proper firepit. Rather than build the fire on top of the ground, dig 12 to 18 inches deep. The width of the pit needs to be 2 feet wider than what the actual fire will be. Use smaller rocks at the bottom of the pit for drainage, and larger rocks around the edge of the pit. The fire shouldn’t ever be above 3 feet high. A small amount of wood and kindling should suffice.

As a safety precaution, keep a couple of 5 gallon buckets of water nearby. Also, never leave flammable materials near the fire. Once you’re finished with the fire, be sure the fire is all the way out. Stir the contents of the pit in order to prevent still burning embers from flying out. Those small burning embers can start a major fire easily.

In the end, common sense is your best line of defense. Never allow children to play near the fire, and always have a first-aid kit handy. Being safe and aware of the situation will make sure your gathering will be fun for all.

Posted in Avoid Getting Burned, Fire Prevention Tips, Fire Safety | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

Using the Microwave: How To Not Get Burned

Posted on March 25, 2011 by Joshua

Believe it or not, you can get burned using the microwave. Think about it…the food or drink coming out of the microwave is usually very hot. Here are 5 tips to avoid getting burned.

  1. Be careful when removing liquids. While the container may be only warm, the contents can be scalding.
  2. Be mindful of a microwave’s habit of cooking unevenly. One part of the food might be lukewarm, while the other is very hot.
  3. When cooking covered items, be mindful of the steam that may come billowing out when you uncover them.
  4. Avoid holding children when removing items from a microwave. It would be easy to burn a child if you happened to drop whatever it was you were removing.
  5. Be careful when popping popcorn. Follow the directions, and remember that the vapor from the bag can exceed 180 degrees F.

The microwave is one of the most useful appliances in the modern kitchen. However, it is important to remember that you can get burned while using it. Safe operation of this appliance will ensure years of cooking convenience.

Posted in Avoid Getting Burned | Tagged , , | Leave a comment