Focus on Fire Safety in October

Westlake Ace Hardware and The National Fire Protection Association offer tips to prevent kitchen fires and keep your home and family safe.

Now more than ever, we are all enjoying a lot of quality time at home, and with Autumn’s crisp nights, we are often drawn back into the kitchen to cook up warm, comforting foods. But all that cooking can also create the risk of accidents like kitchen fires.

According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), cooking is the leading cause of home fires and related injuries in the United States. During Fire Prevention Week (Oct. 4-10) and throughout the month of October, the NFPA is stressing these important steps homeowners can take to keep their families safe and prevent kitchen fires:

1. Always stay in the kitchen while cooking and if you have to leave, turn off the stove.
2. Use a timer to remember to check the stove or oven regularly.
3. De-clutter the area around the stovetop to prevent items from catching on fire.
4. Avoid distractions, such as electronics, while cooking.

Another very important aspect of preventing kitchen fires is installation of reliable fire protection devices throughout the home. Westlake Ace Hardware recommends these products and tips to help keep your kitchen and entire home safe:

• Smoke detectors are a key part of a home safety plan. A home should have smoke detectors installed inside every bedroom, outside each sleeping area, and on every level of the home, including the basement. First Alert makes smoke detectors for every budget, and don’t forget to mark your calendar for each October to change the batteries.
• Fire extinguishers should be kept in several key areas in the home, such as the kitchen, bedrooms, and garage. When seconds count, a standard, lightweight extinguisher can make all the difference in preventing a small fire from turning into a four-alarm blaze.
• Carbon monoxide detectors can alert you of dangerous levels of carbon monoxide gas in your home. If the alarm sounds, immediately move to a fresh air location outdoors and call for help. Don’t reenter the home until emergency personnel declare it is safe to do so.
• Call 911 – Of course, if a fire is serious, always gather your family and pets first and get out of the house immediately before calling 911.