Tips for Extinguishing House Fires Fast | SERVPRO of Walker & Winston Counties

12/13/2023 (Permalink)

Keep these fire safety tips from SERVPRO of Walker & Winston Counties in mind this holiday season!

We all spend a lot of our days in the kitchen making meals whether you are a gourmet chef or survive on mac and cheese cups. Cooking is an essential part of life, and a lot of that cooking relies on heat in order to be prepared properly.

Because of that, it should be no surprise that most house fires start in the kitchen. They can happen at any point without much warning, so knowing ahead of time how to put out a fire can help you stay in control and avoid serious home damage.

Kitchen Safety  

Once a fire starts in the kitchen, it will grow quickly and start to consume anything in its path. One reliable fire prevention strategy is to limit the number of flammable materials and objects in your kitchen. Keep pot holders, oven mitts and wooden utensils stored in a safe location until you need them, and keep your sleeves rolled up while you work.

Keep a lid nearby when you are cooking that you can easily toss over a growing flame. If a spark flares up or a flame from your burner gets bigger than you intended, popping a lid over the flame can remove the oxygen it needs and the fire will die out. 

Remember, fire and grease do not mix well, so using water should never be an option for kitchen fires. You should always smother a grease fire.

Reacting to a Fire 

If you are cooking away and a fire breaks out, use your lid right away if the fire is small or reach for your fire extinguisher if it quickly grows beyond your pan. Pull the pin and sweep it over the flames. If the fire starts in your oven, keep the door shut and turn off the oven while you wait for the fire to slowly smother itself.  

All of these extinguishing methods should only be used if you feel comfortable staying to fight the fire. If you ever feel unsafe or unwilling to stay, back away and call 911 as you make your way outside. Stay low below any smoke that has started to fill the room and get out the quickest way you are able. 

How SERVPRO® Can Help

Once the fire department arrives and takes control of the situation, the flames may be extinguished but your home may be in ruins. Fire can quickly cause significant structural damage as well as water damage due to the water used to put out the fire. Get us on the phone right away so we can get started on your restoration. 

Our talented team will handle your entire recovery from the initial debris removal to the final structural repairs. We can rebuild rooms or sections of your home with ease while we focus on cleaning, sanitizing and removing stubborn odors. We always have your back when it comes to fire damage recovery.

Call us as soon as your house fire is extinguished. SERVPRO of Walker & Winston Counties is here to help you recover.