COOKING brings family and friends together, provides an outlet for creativity and can be relaxing. But did you know that cooking fires are the number one cause of home fires and home injuries? By following a few safety tips you can prevent these fires.

1. Be on alert! If you are sleepy or have consumed alcohol don’t use the stove or stovetop.
2. Do not leave cooking food unattended to talk on the phone, talk to neighbors, etc.
3. Stay in the kitchen when you are frying, grilling, boiling, or broiling food.
4. If you are simmering, baking, or roasting food, check it regularly, stay in the kitchen while food is cooking, and use a timer to remind you that you are cooking.
5. Keep anything that can catch fire — oven mitts, wooden utensils, food packaging, towels or curtains— away from your stovetop.
6. If you have a small (grease) cooking fire and decide to fight the fire…On the stovetop, smother the flames by sliding a lid over the pan and turning off the burner. Leave the pan covered until it is completely cooled.
7. For an oven fire, turn off the heat and keep the door closed.
8. If you have any doubt about fighting a small fire…Just get out! When you leave, close the door behind you to help contain the fire.
9. Have a three-foot “Kids Free Zone” around stoves.
10. Do not store snacks in cupboards over stoves or heating appliances.
11. Call 9-1-1 or the local fire department number from outside the home.

Downed utility lines and power company blackouts can all lead to power outages. Many people turn to a portable generator for a temporary solution without knowing the risks.

1. Generators should be used in well ventilatedlocations outside away from all doors, windowsand vent openings.
2. Never use a generator in an attached garage,even with the door open.
3. Place generators so that exhaust fumes can’tenter the home through windows, doors or otheropenings in the building.
4. Make sure to install carbon monoxide (CO) alarmsin your home. Follow manufacturer’s instructionsfor correct placement and mounting height.
5. Turn off generators and let them cool downbefore refueling. Never refuel a generator while itis hot.
6. Store fuel for the generator in a container that is intended for the purpose and is correctly labeled as such. Store the containers outside of living areas.

JUST REMEMBER

When plugging in appliances, make sure they are plugged directly into the generator or a heavy duty outdoor-rated extension cord. The cords should be checked for cuts, tears and that the plug has all three prongs, especially a grounding pin. If you must connect the generator to the house wiring to power appliances, have a qualified electrician install a properly rated transfer switch in accordance with all applicable state and local electrical codes.

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.

“CANDLE WITH CARE”

1. Blow out all candles when you leave the room or go to bed.
2. Avoid the use of candles in the bedroom and other areas where people may fall asleep.
3. Keep candles at least 12 inches away from anything that can burn.

If you do burn candles, make sure that you…

1. Use candle holders that are sturdy, and won’t tip over easily.
2. Put candle holders on a sturdy, uncluttered surface.
3. Light candles carefully. Keep your hair and any loose clothing away from the flame.
4. Don’t burn a candle all the way down — put it out before it gets too close to the holder or container.
5. Never use a candle if oxygen is used in the home.
6. Have flashlights and battery-powered lighting ready to use during a power outage. Never use candles.
7. Never use a candle to search for things in the home.

Excessive or uncontrolled heat can start fires. To help prevent electrical fires, know how to use and store plugs and electrical cords and take these precautions:

1. Don’t run cords under carpeting, bedding, or other combustible materials
2. Avoid placing cords across doorways or frequently traveled areas.
3. Discard frayed or broken cords and never splice two cords together.
4. Don’t overload outlets or use extension cords in place of outlets. Call an electrician to install additional outlets as necessary.
5. Ensure plugs fit snugly in outlets to prevent shock and excess heat.

Understanding the common causes, warning signs and appropriate safety measures can help prevent an electrical fire in your home. The most common causes for electrical fires are:

1. Incorrectly installed wiring
2. Overloaded circuits and extension cords
3. Defective or improper plugs, switches and outlets
4. Misuse and poor maintenance of lighting

Warning Signs of Faulty Wiring or Electrical Systems

To prevent an electrical fire, learn to recognize the warning signs that indicate a possible wiring or electrical problem. Contact a licensed electrician immediately to examine and repair electrical problems if you experience any of the following issues in your home:

1. Flickering or dimming lights
2. Switches or outlets that are hot to touch and/or emit an acrid odor
3. Discolored cords, outlets and switch plates
4. Repeatedly blown fuses and tripped circuit breakers

Keep Home Wiring Systems Safe

Every homeowner should be acquainted with at least one licensed electrician who can help keep their home wiring system safe. Licensed electricians can help:

1. Ensure any electrical modifications meet existing codes
2. Inspect and repair outlets and switches
3. Inspect a home and make any necessary repairs before you purchase and move in
4. Replace outdated or malfunctioning fuses and circuit breakers and instruct you on proper usage.

Lighting Safety

Combustible materials such as drapery, bedding and upholstered furniture may ignite when exposed to hot bulbs. Follow these safety tips to help prevent light bulbs from causing electrical fires:

1. Purchase lamps and fixtures certified by underwriter’s laboratories (UL), an independent and not-for-profit safety testing and certification organization.
2. Use the right light bulb wattage for all lamps and fixtures.
3. Position lamps away from open windows where strong breezes may blow draperies onto hot light bulbs. Lampshades can also prevent combustible materials from direct contact with a hot bulb.