Groveland Fire Blog

Smoke Alarms

Groveland Fire Blog — Thu, 01 Dec 2011 19:18:18 +0000

If a smoke alarm sounds during normal cooking move it father away from the kitchen or install an alarm with a pause button. If you have an alarm with a pause button, push it, open a door or window, and use a towel to fan the area around the alarm to get the air moving.

Never disable the smoke alarm by taking the batteries out!

Scalds and Burns

Groveland Fire Blog — Mon, 28 Nov 2011 18:58:22 +0000

Fire or flame is not the leading cause of burns from cooking. In 2009, ovens and ranges were the cause of approx. 17,300 thermal burn injuries serious enough to be seen in U. S. hospital emergency rooms according to the NFPA. The leading cause of scald burns are microwave ovens. Use only microwave safe containers and be carefully when opening containers after cooking.

Turkey Fryer Safety Tips

Groveland Fire Blog — Mon, 14 Nov 2011 21:37:39 +0000

Underwriters Laboratories Turkey Fryer Demonstration

Turkey Fire Explosion Damage

Do not overfill because it may cause an oil spillover
Use outdoors at a safe distance from building and combustible materials
Never use on a wooden deck or in a garage
To prevent tipping place on a flat surface
Never leave unattended. If the unit does not have controls the oil will continue to heat and catch fire
Keep children and pets away while cooking. Remember the inside oil can remain hot hours after use
When touching the pot or lid handles use insulated potholders
Protect eyes from oil splatter by wearing safety goggles
Mixing oil and water may cause oil to spill over causing a fire or even an explosion hazard. Be sure turkey is completely thawed and be careful with marinades
Never use water to extinguish a grease fire. Keep an all-purpose fire extinguisher nearby to use if fire is manageable. Immediately call 9-1-1 so the fire department can help if the fire increases

Protecting Children from Scalds and Burns

Groveland Fire Blog — Wed, 09 Nov 2011 17:17:25 +0000

The NFPA reports that children under five face a higher risk of non-fire burns associated with cooking than of being burned in a cooking fire. Prevent these injuries by following these basic tips:

Teach children that hot things burn!
When food is being prepared or carried keep children at least three feet away
Hot foods and liquids should not be placed near table or counter edges
Use the back burners of the stove when possible
Do not hold a child while cooking, drinking, or carrying hot food or liquids

Cooking Fire Facts

Groveland Fire Blog — Mon, 07 Nov 2011 17:40:33 +0000

46% of residential building fires in 2009 were caused by cooking
The single leading factor contributing to cooking fires is unattended cooking
More injuries happen when people fight the fire themselves
The highest risk cooking method is frying
Potholders, oven mitts, wooden utensils, paper or plastic bags, food packaging, towels, or curtain are all combustibles that cause fires when too close to cooking heat sources
Those who face the highest risk of death from cooking fires are young children and older adults.

If You Have a Cooking Fire

Groveland Fire Blog — Fri, 04 Nov 2011 15:48:00 +0000

“When in doubt, just get out,” advises the U. S. Administration.

Kitchen Fire Video

Close the door behind you as you leave to help contain the fire
After you leave, call 9-1-1 or local emergency number
Be sure others are all out and you have a clear path to an exit before you try to fight the fire
When you are cooking keep a potholder nearby
For a small grease fire turn off the heat and smother the flames by sliding a lid over the pan
For an oven fire keep the door closed and turn off the heat
For a microwave fire turn it off but keep the door closed and unplug if the outlet is within reach
Ovens and microwaves should be checked and serviced after a fire before being used again

Cooking for the Holidays

Groveland Fire Blog — Wed, 02 Nov 2011 16:31:54 +0000

“There is an increased incidence of cooking fires on Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve Day, and Christmas Day,” reports the U.S. Fire Administration. To help prevent a cooking fire in your home here are some Safe Cooking Tips:

Don’t leave the kitchen if you are frying, grilling, or broiling food. If you must leave the kitchen, even for a shot time, turn off the stove.
If you are simmering, baking, roasting, or boiling food, check it regularly, don’t leave home, and set a timer to remind you to check the cooking food.
Stay alert while cooking. You will not be alert if you feel sleepy, or are taking medicine that makes you drowsy, or are drinking alcohol.
Keep all flammable articles away from the stove top where it could catch fire.
Keep the stove top, burners, and oven clean.
Avoid loose clothing especially dangling sleeves which could catch fire from contact with a gas flame or electric burner.
Plug microwave oven and other cooking appliances directly into an outlet. Never use an extension cord for a cooking appliance, as it may overload the circuit and cause a fire.

If You Have a Cooking Fire: The U.S. Fire Administration advises,” When in doubt, just get out. When you leave, close the door behind you to help contain the fire. Call 9-1-1 or the local emergency number after you leave.”

Carbon Monoxide Detectors

Groveland Fire Blog — Mon, 24 Oct 2011 15:40:08 +0000

Carbon Monoxide Detectors

Install smoke alarms high, carbon monoxide detectors low near baseboard

Beginning July 1, 2011 California residents are required to have carbon monoxide detectors in their homes. This applies to single-family homes with appliances that burn fossil fuels, have attached garages, or fireplaces. Types of fossil fuels include wood, gas, and oil. For all other types of housing, such as apartments and hotels, detectors are required by January 1, 2013.

Carbon monoxide detectors must sound an audible warning when carbon monoxide is detected. It must be battery-powered, or have a battery backup if it is a plug-in type. National testing labs, such as the Underwriters Laboratories, must certify detectors. The packaging will state if it is a certified detector. If the carbon monoxide detector is also a smoke detector, it must meet the above standards and the two alarm sounds must be different. Carbon monoxide detectors typically cost $20 and up.

Woodstoves and Fireplaces

Groveland Fire Blog — Wed, 19 Oct 2011 15:33:11 +0000

Groveland Fire Chief Shane Warner recommends having your woodstove/fireplace and flue inspected by a certified chimney sweep professional at least once a year. This reduces the chance of a flue fire and assures that the woodstove, piping, flue cap, and screen are all in good working order and bricks and mortar are in good repair. To prevent flue fires homeowners should burn small, hot fires using seasoned firewood with a good draft and plenty of airflow.

If a flue fire starts call 9-1-1 so the fire department can quickly respond to put out the fire and check for any extensions of the fire in the attic or on the roof. Make sure to get everyone out of the house and keep all a safe distance away. Once the fire is completely out call a professional to inspect, clean, and service the flue and assess the damage before using the woodstove/fireplace again.

TIP: Throw a glass of water directly on the fire, it will flash into steam, rise up in the flue, inhibit oxygen, and snuff out the fire. In addition, turn down the air damper on the front of the stove and close the woodstove/fireplace doors. This will help keep the fire in the flue and in most cases put the fire out.