Small fires are common in households, especially in the kitchen. The leading cause is leaving the stove unattended, even just for a minute, which can cause major damage. Practicing safe cooking can help prevent accidents:
- Never leave the stove unattended. Turn it off if you leave the kitchen.
- Keep flammable items away from the stovetop, like towels and packaging.
- Turn pot handles inward to avoid spills.
- Clean cooking equipment to prevent grease and crumbs from catching fire.
- Dispose of grease properly. Let it cool before discarding, and never pour it down the drain.
- Avoid cooking when tired or after drinking. Unplug small appliances when not in use.
- Have a fire extinguisher handy and know how to use it.
- Contain oven or microwave fires. Turn off the heat and keep the door closed until flames are out.
Stay alert and follow these steps to keep your kitchen safe.
Using a Fire Extinguisher
Fire extinguishers can prevent fires from spreading if placed correctly. Keep one near your kitchen, where most fires start, and another near your home’s exit for safe escape. The Orange County Fire Authority (OCFA) recommends multipurpose ABC extinguishers for home use:
- A: For fires from wood, cloth, or paper.
- B: For fires from flammable liquids like cooking sprays.
- C: For fires caused by live electricity.
How to Use a Fire Extinguisher
Fire extinguishers are easy to use. OCFA provides guidance and recommends following the PASS technique:
- Pull the pin
- Aim at the base of the fire
- Squeeze the lever slowly
- Sweep from side-to-side
点击 here to watch an instructional video from OCFA on how to use a fire extinguisher.
点击 here to view OCFA flyers on fire safety in Chinese, English, Farsi, Korean, Spanish and Vietnamese.
If you cannot safely extinguish a fire, get outside quickly, close the door behind you to contain the fire, and call 9-1-1.
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