There are more and more reports in the news about home fires, prescribed burns, unplanned wildfires and other fire hazards around the country and world.
Fire preparedness matters in the kitchen, home and in your community.
Here are a few ideas and thoughts for you to consider, when crafting your own fire preparedness plans.
Indoor and Outdoor Kitchen and Cooking Safety
- Cooking fires are a common type of fire in U.S. households. By paying careful attention while cooking, you can prevent a kitchen fire.
- If you are frying, grilling, or broiling food, stay in the kitchen.
- Turn off the stove if you must leave the kitchen, even if only for a short time.
- Monitor small children around kitchen stoves and outdoor cooking equipment. They must be supervised.
- Keep matches and lighters out of the sight and reach of children.
- Check the food being cooked regularly and use a timer to remind you that there is something cooking. (I use my cell phone timer and keep my cell phone in my pocket.)
- Keep flammable objects such as dish cloths, potholders, oven mitts, wooden utensils, paper towels, napkins, mail & paper or plastic bags away from burners and the stovetop.
- Wear short sleeve shirts and/or close-fitting clothing that won’t extend over or touch burners while cooking.
- Always use grills and outdoor fryers in a ventilated area and use according to the manufacturer’s directions.
- Position barbecue grills at least 10 feet away from siding and deck railings, and out from under eaves and overhanging tree or shrub branches.
- Turkey fryers can pose significant fire hazards. Again, always review and follow the manufacturer’s directions and use caution when using a turkey fryer.
- Keep a fire extinguisher available.
- Install at least one smoke alarm/smoke detector on each level of your home, including near sleeping areas and change the batteries regularly.
- Know what to do in the event of a fire and/or necessary evacuation.
What is a “to- go- bag”?
A part of a fire related evacuation plan is having a “to -go -bag” for each person in your family. You may want to consider a “to- go- bag” for your pets as well. These “to- go -bags” are to be filled in advance and should include items you would need for at least 3-5 days. They should be kept in a place that is easily accessible.
What is a prescribed burn?
Some fires are prescribed fires. Prescribed burning, is carefully planned and directed use of fire to achieve land management goals, is a useful tool for resource managers in Florida. Prescribed burns achieve many benefits for the environment and for people, but they have a few side effects as well, which includes smoke.
Those with asthma and/or other pulmonary conditions need to be mindful of smoke inhalation and avoid it.
Conclusion
Families and consumers need to be aware of what to do in the event fire breaks out in the home and/or in the area you are living in. They must be ready to call 911 and/or evacuate, when a hazardous fire threatens life, property and/or the environment. The most important thing is to be alert, aware of your surroundings and have a plan. It is so important to have a fire preparedness plan and review the plan at least annually. Sometimes, there is no time for a plan, and you must leave immediately. Plan for the worst but hope for the best. Some things are in our control, and some things are not. Having a well thought out plan is one of those things that is in our control. One of my favorite statements is: “If you fail to plan, you plan to fail”. Get your plan in place.
Information provided by UF/IFAS Extension in Broward County.
