Meals on Wheels, Indianapolis

Cooking Fire Safety Tips

• Use a kitchen timer when you cook to remind yourself when to remove food from the oven or stove.
• Never leave cooking food unattended, even for a brief moment.
• Don't wear loose clothing that could catch fire while you're cooking.
• Keep your stovetop clear of flammable and combustible items such as potholders, food packaging, cookbooks and dishtowels.
• Grease catches fire quickly. Keep cooking surfaces clean of built-up grease.
• If food or grease catches fire, turn off the heat source and slide a pan lid over the flames to cut off the air supply. Never throw water on a grease fire, as it can cause the fire to spread.
• Keep a fire extinguisher nearby and accessible.

Appliance Fire Safety Tips

• Never overload circuits, extension cords or electrical outlets. Too many electrical cords plugged in to one source draw more current than the wiring was designed to support. The resulting heat can cause melting and eventually, fire. Of particular concern are older homes that may not have been upgraded to carry enough current for newer household appliances.
• Have a professional replace damaged or frayed electrical cords on appliances.
• Don't run electrical cords under rugs where they can be damaged and where the damage can go undetected.
• Immediately turn off and unplug any appliances that overheat, spark or emit an unusual or burning smell. Such appliances should either be repaired by a professional or discarded.
• Look for the Underwriters Laboratories (UL) listing on appliances to be sure they meet UL's published standards for safety.

Miscellaneous, But Very Important Fire Safety Tips!

• Keep flammable items at least 3 feet away from heat sources; for example, don't place space heaters near curtains, furniture, pillows or holiday decorations.
• If you must smoke, be sure to extinguish all smoking materials as soon as you begin to feel drowsy, and never smoke in bed.
• Have fireplaces inspected annually, and always use a fireplace screen.
• Replace smoke alarm batteries annually, test alarms monthly and replace the complete alarm every 10 years. Never disconnect an alarm or remove its batteries.
• Make an escape plan, locating at least two exits from each room and practicing your escape by finding your way out of the house with your eyes closed, crawling or staying low and feeling your way out of the house.
• In case of fire, remember never to open doors that are hot to the touch, stay low (below the smoke) as you make your way out of the house and cover your mouth and nose with a wet cloth, if possible. Escape first, then dial 911 for emergency assistance.
• Use special precautions if you take medications that make you drowsy.