Nova Scotians can protect themselves and their homes from kitchen fires by focusing on a few key tips.
These range from staying in the kitchen while cooking to cleaning ovens on a regular basis, and sharing these will be the focus of Canada’s Fire Prevention Week, Oct.
6-12.
“Our priority is to keep Nova Scotians safe and supporting Fire Prevention Week is one of the ways we can help protect people and their families,” said Harold Pothier, Fire Marshal. “Kitchen fires are a very common cause of house fires, and are usually a result of human error that can easily be prevented.”
Tips for preventing kitchen fires are:
— turning the stove off when leaving the kitchen
— turning pot handles away from the edge of the stove
— wearing tight-fitting sleeves while cooking
— keeping anything that can catch fire, such as oven mitts, wooden utensils, food packaging, towels or curtains, away from stovetops
— encouraging children not to play near stoves
— using only approved appliances
— following instructions for microwaves, including not heating anything with metal
— unpluging small appliances, such as kettles, coffeemakers and toasters, when not in use
If a fire does happen in the kitchen:
— Smother the fire by sliding a lid over the pot and turning off the stovetop. Leave the pot completely covered until it is completely cooled. Always keep a pot lid nearby to smother a small flame
— for an oven fire, turn off the heat and keep the door closed
— don’t try to extinguish a grease fire with water
— get out immediately and call 9-1-1
“The most important thing to remember is to always make sure you stay in the kitchen and pay attention when cooking,” says Mr. Pothier. “And if a fire occurs, get out immediately and call 911.”
Nova Scotians should also check their smoke alarms to ensure they are properly installed and maintained and they should test them frequently, following the manufacturer’s instructions. Batteries should be replaced once a year and the outside of the alarm should be vacuumed and cleaned throughout the year and the power supply tested by sounding the alarm. Alarms that do not sound need to be replaced.
For more information on fire safety, visit novascotia.ca/lae/firesafety .
Source: Release
