Did you know that a majority of Oklahoma’s residential fires originate in the kitchen? These fires account for approximately one-fifth of all fire incidents and a substantial number of injuries and deaths annually. Cooking safely will prevent most kitchens fires.

Here are some tips to help prevent fires from starting.

• Stay with your cooking.
• Turn off appliances after use.
• Keep stove and appliances clean and grease free.
• Prevent burns by turning pot handles “IN”.

IF A FIRE STARTS, REMAIN CALM.

• Turn off appliances.
• Smother grease or food fire by placing a lid on it.
• NEVER use water on a grease fire.
• If your clothing catches fire, DO NOT RUN! Stop, Drop, and Roll.
• Evacuate! Then DIAL 911 to call the fire department.

Smoke Alarms provide early warning in the event of a fire. Install and maintain smoke alarms in the home.

BBQ Grills

One of the great pleasures of summer is eating and cooking out of doors with family and friends.   The popularity of this activity is attested to by the great number and variety of outdoor grills or “barbecues” being sold each year.

Such grills can be fun to cook on and provide delicious food, but they can also be dangerous.   None of them are foolproof, and all should be handled with care. 

Liquefied Petroleum Gas

Liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) when used to fire a home barbecue, is contained under pressure in a steel cylinder.   The contents of an LPG cylinder, vaporized and in a confined area, has the explosive force of several sticks of dynamite.   Therefore, the wise user of LPG will be aware of the dangers involved and the precautions that must be taken to avoid accidents.

No LPG burner should ever be ignited until the following steps are taken:

• Read the manufacturer’s instructions and be sure you thoroughly understand them.
• DO NOT transport LPG cylinders in the trunk of a passenger vehicle.   A filled cylinder should always be transported in an upright position on the floor of a vehicle with all windows open.  Remove the cylinder from the vehicle as soon as possible.
• Never leave a cylinder in a parked vehicle.
• Use the proper size wrench to make sure that all connections are tight.
• Make sure that grease is not allowed to drip on the hose or cylinders.
• Never let children use a gas-fired barbecue.
• Never use a gas-fired barbecue inside any structure.
• Never store any LPG cylinders – attached to the barbecue or spares – inside any part of a structure, including porches and balconies.
• Store cylinders, including those attached to barbecues, outdoors in a shaded, cool area out or direct sunlight.

Charcoal 

Although charcoal may sound less dangerous than LP gas, it is just as necessary to take precautions in using charcoal burners.

• Never use charcoal barbecues in an enclosed space.   Combustion of charcoal emits carbon monoxide gas, which – even in small quantities – can cause injury or death.
• Once a fire has been started, Never add starter fluid.   Fire may follow the stream of fluid back to the container, causing an explosion and scattering flaming liquid.
• Use great caution in disposing of the ashes.   Ashes may contain live coals which can start a fire if not disposed of properly.   The safest method is to wet ashes thoroughly with water before emptying the barbecues.

Follow these precautions and enjoy outdoor eating in health, happiness and good weather. 

Don’t be tempted by a rainy day to use outdoor cooking equipment inside – not even in a garage or on a porch or balcony.

For additional information, contact your local Sand Springs Fire Station.