You are finally settled into your new manufactured home, with the vaulted ceilings, beautiful fireplace, fully-furnished kitchen and an open floor plan – all at a price much more affordable than you had ever expected. You just cannot wait to hold a housewarming party to welcome your friends and family over for a feast and get-together. Before you do so, it is important to observe safe cooking habits to ensure a safe living environment for you and your loved ones. Here are some tips on the fire safety in a manufactured home.
Cooking Fires
Cooking fires are the number one cause of fires and injuries at home. The leading cause of home fires is unattended cooking in the kitchen. Follow these cooking safety tips to prevent the catastrophe that can cause your whole house to be engulfed in flames.
- Always stay alert. Do not use the stove if you are feeling drowsy, sleepy, or intoxicated.
- Tend to your cooking at all times.
- If you are baking, simmering, or roasting food, check it regularly and always remain in the kitchen or use a timer.
- Keep anything that can catch fire away from the stove including curtains, kitchen towels, wooden utensils, and others.
Things to Do When You Have A Cooking Fire
- Do not try to salvage anything. Leave the room and close the kitchen door behind you to help contain the fire.
- Call 9-1-1 or the local fire department.
- If you intend to extinguish the fire, ensure that others have evacuated and that you have a clear escape route.
- Always keep a lid nearby to smother small grease fires. Slide the lid over the pan and switch the stove fire off. Leave the lid on until the pan is completely cooled.
- For an oven fire, close the door and turn off the heat.
Safety Tips When Cooking With Oil
Oil is a key ingredient found in most kitchens today. Whether you are looking to sauté or fry your ingredients, oil is part of the recipe for almost all dishes. When using cooking oil, consider the following tips:
- Always stay in the kitchen when frying on the stovetop.
- Keep an eye on your cooking. If there are any oil smells or wisps of smoke, turn off the stove immediately and remove the pan.
- Smoke is a sign of danger indicating that the oil is too hot.
- Always heat oil gradually to the temperature you need for sautéing or frying.
- Add food gently into the pot or pan to prevent the oil from splattering.
- Always prepare a lid handy to slide it over should a fire occur. Do not remove the cover to prevent the fire from starting again. Let the pan completely cool for some time and do not splash water or use a fire extinguisher on a grease fire.
- If you are not comfortable with sliding the lid over the fire to contain it, leave the house with your loved ones and call the fire department immediately.
- Always ensure that the stove is turned off before leaving the house.