My kitchen is the heart of my home. My friends and family gather there more often than the living room. I have a proportionally big kitchen for the size of my home as well. I love to cook and entertain and everyone gathers around and chats and sometimes even pitches in to help.
There are many things that need attention in the kitchen – today I am going to focus on the “hearth” or what used to be the hearth – the stove. I have a gas stove – which I love for instant heat and don’t like for the fact that there is live fire in the middle of my house. Gas stove or any other kind – a kitchen fire extinguisher is a must! It also needs to be handy and in date (some have expiry dates).
Never, ever use water to attempt to put out a fire on the stove – if there is any grease involved it will spatter and spread the fire. Put a lid on it – if it is contained to a pan, use that kitchen extinguisher or baking soda (but you need lots of baking soda). The lid or extinguisher is best.
If you think it is getting the tiniest bit out of control, just get out and call 911 – that is what they are there for!
If you are not sure if it is out – call 911 anyway.
Beware of glass top electric stoves as some stay hot but do not have an indicator on the stove, just a small red light on the panel. Electric burners take a while to cool down as well. Stoves do not have to be on fire to burn you (or your food).
Keep kitchen towels and loose clothing away from the stove as well. They are also a fire hazard.
For most of us – our kitchen is a warm and welcoming room – please be safe there too! I’ll have more kitchen safety tips next week – stay tuned!
There are many things that need attention in the kitchen – today I am going to focus on the “hearth” or what used to be the hearth – the stove. I have a gas stove – which I love for instant heat and don’t like for the fact that there is live fire in the middle of my house. Gas stove or any other kind – a kitchen fire extinguisher is a must! It also needs to be handy and in date (some have expiry dates).
Never, ever use water to attempt to put out a fire on the stove – if there is any grease involved it will spatter and spread the fire. Put a lid on it – if it is contained to a pan, use that kitchen extinguisher or baking soda (but you need lots of baking soda). The lid or extinguisher is best.
If you think it is getting the tiniest bit out of control, just get out and call 911 – that is what they are there for!
If you are not sure if it is out – call 911 anyway.
Beware of glass top electric stoves as some stay hot but do not have an indicator on the stove, just a small red light on the panel. Electric burners take a while to cool down as well. Stoves do not have to be on fire to burn you (or your food).
Keep kitchen towels and loose clothing away from the stove as well. They are also a fire hazard.
For most of us – our kitchen is a warm and welcoming room – please be safe there too! I’ll have more kitchen safety tips next week – stay tuned!