Kitchen Fire

Knowing what to do in the event of a kitchen fire can save lives.

Do you know what to do if your cooking oil catches fire?

A grease fire happens when your cooking oil becomes too hot. When heating, oils first start to boil, then they’ll start smoking, and then they’ll catch on fire.

*Whenever you’re cooking, have an oven mitt, a potholder, and a lid that fits your pan all on hand and ready to grab in case fire sparks.

If the worst happens and your oil does catch on fire, do the following:

• Turn the Heat Off– Don’t try to move the pot. You might accidentally splash yourself or your kitchen with burning oil. And that would be bad.

• Cover the Pot with a Metal Lid– Fire cannot exist in the absence of oxygen. With the lid on (and the heat off), the fire should quickly consume all the oxygen and put itself out. Use a metal lid since glass will shatter.

• Pour on Baking Soda– Baking soda will extinguish grease fires, but only if they’re small. It takes a lot of baking soda to do the job.

• Spray the Pot with a Class B Dry Chemical Fire Extinguisher– This is your last resort, as fire extinguishers will contaminate your kitchen. Still, it’s better than the alternative if the fire is getting out of control.

• Get Out and Call 911– If the fire does break out of control, don’t try to be a hero. Get out and find a phone to call 911.

Whatever you do, DO NOT do the following:

• Do Not Use Water– Pouring water can cause the oil to splash and spread the fire. The vaporizing water can also carry grease particles in it, also spreading the fire.
• Do Not Move the Pot or Carry It Outside– Throwing the pot outside might seem logical in the frenzy of the moment. But trying to move the pot might splash burning oil on you, your home, and anything outside.
• Do Not Throw Any Other Baking Product On the Fire– Flour might look like baking soda, but it won’t react the same. Only baking soda can help put out a grease fire.

Phew, now that we’re clear on all of that, hopefully you’ll never be in a situation where you have to actually use this advice. Be safe!

Source: http://www.thekitchn.com | Model in Kitchen Photo by Mikael Jansson

Are You Ready?

I hope that you never are in an emergency situation. Being prepared will help you get through mini emergencies as quickly and smoothly as possible. And, in the case of a major emergency, such as fire or a natural disaster, it can save your life.

The Ebola Survival Fund

Be Prepared!

During storm conditions, heavy rains can flood underground electrical vaults and strong winds can blow debris or tree limbs into power lines resulting in power outages.

 

What to do if the power goes out:

 

* Stay Calm

 

* Never use a candle during a power outage or other emergency. Use a flashlight instead

 

* Turn off or disconnect any appliances or electronic equipment that were in use at the time the power went out

 

* Leave one light switched on so you will know when the power is restored

 

* If you are cold, don’t light a fire indoors. Put on layers of warm clothes instead

 

* Leave the doors of your refrigerator and freezer closed to keep the food as cool as possible

 

* The trouble may be in the main switch, circuit breakers or fuses. If you don’t know how to check your fuse box, ask someone who does or call your local power provider

The artist Pablo Picasso made creative use of his flashlight!

The Day One Response Water Bag

Designed by Tricia Compas-Markman, this portable pouch collects, treats, transfers and stores water and is meant to provide clean drinking water to disaster-prone communities. The bag is a combination of a camel bag and a water filter. Users collect unclean water and, by adding a Procter and Gamble purifying packet, watch the water and sediment separate before pouring a clean, hydrating stream.

EarthQuake Safety Tips

Triangle of life VS. Drop and Cover, read more here.

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Ten Essentials