National Fire Prevention Week: Prevent Kitchen Fires

Now that we’ve entered the fall season, you might find yourself spending more time indoors, which also means more time spent cooking at home. According to the American Red Cross, cooking is the number one cause of home fires. So in honor of National Fire Prevention Week, we’ve put together a list of tips to help you keep your family safe from kitchen fires:

1. Always tend to cooking - Leaving your food unattended can be a fire hazard waiting to happen, so stay in the kitchen when using the stove top, oven, or microwave. And if you must leave the kitchen, make sure to turn these appliances off - even if it’s only for a minute.

2. Keep it kid friendly - When cooking in the kitchen, ask your kids to stay away from the stove - especially if they’re playing. Tell them why it’s important and how being too close can increase risk of accidents.

3. Wipe up grease - It’s easy for grease to accumulate on your stove and countertops, which can be a threat to your home if it catches flame. But you can prevent buildup by cleaning all your cooking surfaces on a regular basis.

4. Install a smoke alarm - If you don’t have one already, now is the time to install a smoke alarm in your kitchen. In doing so, you have a better chance of stopping a flame from spreading if anything happens. Once your smoke alarm is installed, be sure to test it each month and replace batteries as needed.

5. Purchase a fire extinguisher - It’s a good idea to keep a fire extinguisher in an easy-to-reach place in or near the kitchen. Call your local fire department to learn how to properly use one in case of an emergency.

At Nassau Plumbing & Sewer Rooter, we understand how crucial it is to take precaution when it comes to matters like house fires. That is why we are here for all your plumbing needs 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. To learn more about how we can help you keep you and your family safe, give us a call at 516.874.7937 or visit our website.