The consequences of a mishap in the kitchen, where fires are most common, can be devastating and long-lasting. The risk of a fire is present in every single home in Florida. It’s time we all took the risk seriously and started taking precautions each day.

Cooking

 

Kitchen fires from cooking were the leading cause of reported home fires and home fire injuries in 2015 – 2019 and the second leading cause of home fire deaths. Cooking caused 49 percent of reported home fires, 20 percent of reported home fire deaths, and 42 percent of home fire injuries.

What you should know about home cooking safety:

 

  • Be on alert! If you are sleepy or have consumed alcohol, don’t use the stove or stovetop.
  • Stay in the kitchen while you are frying, grilling, boiling, or broiling food.
  • If you are simmering, baking, or roasting food, check on your cooking regularly.
  • Use a timer to remind you that you are cooking if you are moving around the house so you don’t forget.
  • Keep anything that can catch fire such as oven mitts, wooden utensils, food packaging, towels, or even curtains away from your stovetop.

Electrical

 

Electricity helps make our lives easier but there are times when we can take power and its potential for electrical-based fires and related hazards for granted.

What you should know about home electrical safety:

 

  • Never overload a circuit breaker.
  • Replace any worn or damaged wiring.
  • Keep combustible materials at least three feet away from any heat source, such as an electric stovetop or fireplace.
  • Never leave candles burning unattended.

Smoking

 

Another leading cause of home fires is smoking. This can include cigarettes, cigars, and even pipes. If these materials are not properly extinguished, they can easily ignite a nearby object and start a fire. In addition, if you use a smoker you should dispose of any waste material in places where they can’t start a fire. Don’t dispose of them in trash cans or near flammable liquids. It’s best to wait until the waste is cold before disposing of it.

What you should know about smoking safety:

 

  • If you smoke, use only fire-safe cigarettes.
  • Smoke outside. Most deaths result from fires that started in living rooms, family rooms, dens, or in bedrooms.
  • Keep cigarettes, lighters, matches, and other smoking materials up high out of the reach of children, in a locked cabinet.

Candles

 

Candles may be pretty to look at but they are a cause of home fires — and home fire deaths. Remember, a candle is an open flame, which means that it can easily ignite anything that can burn.

What you should know about using candles safely:

 

  • Blow out all candles when you leave the room or go to bed.
  • Avoid the use of candles in the bedroom and other areas where people may fall asleep.
  • Keep candles at least 1 foot (30 centimeters) away from anything that ignites.
  • Don’t burn a candle all the way down — put it out before it gets too close to the holder or container.
  • Never use a candle if oxygen tanks are used in your home.

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