Keeping the Flames Under Control at Home | SERVPRO of Dover/Stillwater

6/1/2024 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Dover/Stillwater is here for you whenever disaster strikes.

What is your favorite meal to whip up in the kitchen? Whether you delight in a three-course meal or a cup of mac and cheese, we all spend a considerable time in the kitchen preparing food.

In the majority of cases, we rely on heat and flame to cook our food to perfection! Because of that, it should be no surprise that the vast majority of house fires start in the kitchen. We explain some easy ways to stay fire-safe while making your meals below. 

Safety Tips  

All it takes is a single spark or wandering flame to cause a serious fire in a matter of seconds. Start by preparing your space before you even light a burner or turn on your stove. 

Remove flammable materials from around your stove, like pot holders, oven mitts, wooden utensils and decorations. You should also be mindful of the clothes you are wearing when you are cooking. Loose sleeves, apron strings and even long hair can be dangerous near a flame, so keep your sleeves rolled up and your hair pulled back.

Grab a lid for the pot or pan you are using and keep it on the counter while you are cooking so you can quickly toss it over a growing flame to snuff it out. If a spark flares up, you can easily take control without having to reach for your fire extinguisher.

Remember, grease and water do not mix, so never use water to put out a grease fire. You always smother a grease fire.

What to Do First

Whether you are trying out a new recipe or making a dish you have made hundreds of times, fire is unpredictable and can start at any time. If you are near the flames when they erupt, either smother the flames with your pot lid or grab a fire extinguisher to put them out that way. 

If a fire starts in the oven, do not open the door. Simply turn off the oven and wait for the fire to slowly run out of fuel and extinguish itself. 

Keep in mind that these fire-extinguishing methods only work if you feel comfortable staying to fight the fire. Your safety should always be your top priority, so remember that it is OK to back away and call 911 if you are in danger. Stay low below the smoke line, and get outside as quickly as you can. 

Where Our Team Comes In 

Once the fire is out and the trucks roll away from your drive, our team will be there to take over the next steps in your restoration. We are fully trained to handle every aspect of your fire and water damage, and we can even rebuild the entire affected area.

We will work hard to clean, sanitize, deodorize and restore your beautiful home in no time at all! Once we are through, you will never know that a fire broke out in your kitchen or anywhere else in your home.

Don’t wait to call SERVPRO of Dover/Stillwater if your home suffers fire damage. We are Here to Help®!