Kitchen fires a holiday danger

Statistics show that three in 10 residential fires begin in the kitchen. And, in nearly 75 percent of home fires reported, the person responsible for the fire wasn’t in

he area when it started.

During the holiday season, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, Underwriters Laboratories and the Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers have teamed up to offer the fol

owing common sense steps people can take to minimize their risk of a kitchen fire: •Wear clothing with short sleeves or rolled-up long sleeves and stay away from open flames. •Keep cooking surfaces clean. •Turn pot handles inward and supervise children in the kitchen at all times. •Always keep an eye on what you’re cooking.

“We’re trying to get the message out to consumers to be very careful about what they’re doing in the kitchen and don’t leave pots and pans unattended,” said Hal Stratton, chairman of the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission.

Besides unattended cooking, grease fires present a particularly dangerous situation because many peoples’ first instinct is to use water to put out the flames, which can actually make the situation worse.

The best way to control a grease fire is to smother it. Make sure you keep a lid nearby that fits the pan you’re using and, if a grease fire occurs, bring the lid in low and cover the pan to smother the fire. Leave the lid on the pan and allow it to cool. If you have a household fire extinguisher, make sure you know how to use it.

Experts add that if a fire does occur, it is best to leave the house immediately and call 911 for help. To receive a free brochure with more cooking safety tips, call (888) 785-7233.

This story provided by North American Precis Syndicate, Inc.