Page 9 - Blue Valley_Issue 3_2022

SECURITY

Photo by Daniel Tausis

WINTER FIRE SAFETY

When temperatures • Keep heaters away from furniture and • Always turn the oven and burners off when
you have finished cooking.
curtains.
plummet, many of us • Turn off portable heaters, as well as gas and • Stay alert and avoid cooking when under the
influence of medication or alcohol.
electric fires, before retiring for the night.
light a cosy fire or snuggle • Only use electric blankets with automatic • Prevent burns and stove-top fires by turning
up to a heater to keep shut-off functions. pot handles towards the back of the stove
warm. These measures are • If you have an open fireplace, make sure the and use the rear burners/stove plates when
children are in the kitchen.
fireguard is secure and in place.
potentially dangerous as • Keep all cooking appliances clean and free of
spills and grease that may catch fire.
they increase the risk of a WHAT TO DO IN THE EVENT • Keep all combustibles, including oven mitts,
OF A FIRE:
fire breaking out. Here are • Crawl low where there is smoke. wooden utensils, food packaging, towels, pot
holders and curtains, away from hot surfaces.
tips to fireproof your home • Never open a door that is hot to the • Avoid overloading electrical outlets with
touch.
and keep the family safe. • Wake up everybody in the house. too many kitchen appliances and ensure
electrical cords are not cracked or damaged.
• If your clothing catches fire, follow
this rule: STOP, DROP, ROLL.
• Have a safe place to meet outside, WHAT TO DO IF YOU HAVE A
GENERAL FIRE SAFETY away from the house. KITCHEN FIRE?
• Install a fire or smoke alarm. Test your alarm • Never re-enter the house for pets or • Smother the fire by sliding a lid or
and change the batteries at least once a year. personal belongings. cookie sheet over the flames and
• Never leave fires, candles or any form of naked turn the heat source off.
flame unattended. • If the flames do not go out, leave
• Never leave children unsupervised around FIRE SAFETY IN THE KITCHEN your home immediately.
fires, candles or matches. • Keep a fire blanket and suitable extinguisher • If the fire is small and confined and
• Never smoke in bed, and ensure that all in the kitchen. A fire blanket can smother you choose to fight the fire, ensure
cigarettes and candles are extinguished flames either on a person or on a stove. all other occupants leave and have a
before retiring for the night. • Never leave the kitchen unattended when clear way out.
• If you have gas, oil or coal-burning appliances, frying, grilling or broiling food. • For an oven fire, turn off the heat and
be aware of carbon monoxide. Ensure your • Use a timer when simmering, baking, roasting keep the door closed until the oven
home is adequately ventilated and equipment or boiling food and check the kitchen has cooled down completely.
is regularly serviced and maintained. regularly.

Photo by Raquel Raclette

BLUE VALLEY NEWS • Issue 3 2022• 7