Pay attention to Fire Prevention!
Did you know that unattended cooking is one of the leading causes of kitchen fires in Hamilton, and is one of the leading contributing factors in fire deaths? School staff, students and families are reminded to practice safe cooking habits. Follow these simple safety rules to help keep you and your family safe.
Kitchen Fire Safety Guide for Adults
1. Preventing Fires
Stay Attentive: Always stay in the kitchen when cooking, especially when using the stove.
Control Heat Sources: Keep flammable items (like towels, wooden utensils, or food packaging) away from stovetops.
Grease Awareness: Clean grease from stoves and range hoods regularly, as grease build-up can ignite.
Use Appliances Safely: Unplug small appliances when not in use and check for damaged cords.
Safe Cooking: Avoid cooking while extremely tired, intoxicated by alcohol, prescription medication or recreational drugs.
2. Responding to Fires
Grease Fires: NEVER use water on a grease fire! Smother flames by covering the pan with a lid or using a fire extinguisher.
Oven or Microwave Fires: Keep the door closed, turn off the appliance, and let the fire extinguish itself. Do not open the door until it is safe.
Small Flames: Keep on hand, a fire extinguisher or baking soda, (NOT baking powder, sugar or flour), to smother small flames, if needed.
Never attempt to carry a burning pot or pan
If, at any time, the fire starts to grow or cannot be extinguished, evacuate everyone from the home, closing all doors behind you, and call 911 from outside. Never try to fight a large fire yourself; prioritize your safety!
3. Key Safety Equipment
Smoke Alarms: Ensure working smoke alarms are installed on each level of your home and outside all sleeping areas. Test all smoke alarms monthly.
Fire Extinguisher: Consider keeping a multi-purpose (Class ABC) fire extinguisher within reach in the kitchen. Ensure you, and other adults, know how to use it:
Pull, Aim, Squeeze, Sweep (PASS technique).
4. Cooking Safely
Wear short or tight-fitting sleeves and avoid loose, dangly clothing that can catch fire, while cooking.
Use timers to remind yourself of food on the stove or in the oven.
Turn pot handles inward to prevent accidental spills.
Always keep a large lid near the stove when you are cooking.
Be fire smart and fire safe when cooking, it can save your life.
Grease fires and how to extinguish them. NEVER put water on a grease fire!
https://youtu.be/jykJ-EmiMao?si=A6diOOHEOUSsWie5
Some NFPA fire safety information is available in multiple languages. Please go here to find out more.
For further fire safety information, concerns or inquiries, please contact the Hamilton Fire Department – Fire Prevention Division at 905 546-2424, extension 1380, email us at [email protected] or visit our website at www.hamilton.ca/fire
Hamilton Fire Department, Fire Prevention Division – Schools and Community Engagement
