A little chill in the air would be nice to let it feel like fall is here, but let’s face it we are in Texas and this is fall. Football games, soccer, family and friends coming over for the holidays and time once again for TURKEY!!!!

The Atascocita Fire Department wishes the warmest and safest holiday season and offers you a little reminder about kitchen safety during your holiday season. The United States Fire Administration statistics show that the U.S. has one of the highest fire death rates in the industrialized world. A little over 4,000 people are killed each year as well as about 100 fire fighters in fires. Countless others are burned or injured. Eighty percent 80% of these fatalities happen within the home and most happen within the kitchen. Knowing the statistics and being aware is half the battle. Having safe kitchen practices can help keep you and your family safe this holiday season.

The following safety reminders can help-

Ø       Keep the cooking area free of things that will burn, such as: potholders, paper towels, grocery bags, boxes (including the pizza box that is hidden in the oven).

Ø       Do not leave items cooking on the stove or in the oven. If you must leave to answer the door, phones, or go somewhere such as the store, turn the heat off. (Take a potholder or spoon with you to remind you that you were working in the kitchen).

Ø       Never allow children to cook unattended and turn pot handles inward to avoid children from reaching up and burning themselves. Never store cookies or snacks near the stove.

Ø       Check appliances for frayed or worn cords, replace them is necessary.

Ø       Watch when opening pots or microwave food –shield yourself from steam.

Ø       Keep baking soda, pot lids, or an ABC fire extinguisher handy incase of a grease fire.

NEVER pour water or flour on an oil or grease fire!!! It will splatter and not only can you get burned, it will increase and spread the fire. Remember if a fire is small and you can put it out, use a pot lid, baking soda, or fire extinguisher to smother the fire, remember to turn off the burner once it is out.

If a fire has gotten away from you and is too big and cannot be put out, get everyone out and call the fire department. Do not stay to fight a big fire.

Ø       Wear clothes that will help you be fire safe. Loose fitting clothes such as nightgowns, robes, blouses, or other clothes that could catch fire while cooking should be avoided. (Remember if your clothes catch fire, stop drop and roll—do not run the fire will get bigger.)

(Practice your fire drills and check your smoke detectors. Change the batteries if you haven’t already done so for the fall. Check out our other safety tips on this site to learn more about being fire safe in the home.)

---Have a great holiday and best wishes from the AVFD