Fire Safety

How do I prevent kitchen fires?

Kitchen fires are the leading cause of home fires. Follow these safety tips to prevent cooking fires:

  • Stay in the kitchen when frying, grilling, or broiling food
  • Keep flammables away from the stovetop (towels, packaging, curtains)
  • Turn pot handles inward to prevent spills and burns
  • Keep a lid nearby to smother grease fires - never use water
  • Have a fire extinguisher within easy reach of the kitchen

If a grease fire occurs, turn off the heat and cover the pan with a metal lid. Never carry a burning pan outside. If the fire grows beyond the pan, evacuate and call 911.

More Answers About Fire Safety

Fire Safety
Can I have a control burn?
Control burns in Johnson County, Texas are allowed as long as there is not a burn ban.  You must have water available and someone must be with the fire at all times. If you plan to conduct any outdoor burning, when a burn ban is not in effect, please contact... Read The Rest
Fire Safety
How many smoke alarms do I need?
One smoke alarm isn’t enough! You should have at least one smoke alarm in every bedroom and in the hallway outside each bedroom. A typical three-bedroom home would need at least four properly installed smoke alarms to provide a reasonable amount of protection for your family. Smoke rises, so the... Read The Rest
Fire Safety
Why is my smoke alarm chirping?
If the detector is chirping and no sign of fire or smoke is present, replace the battery as soon as possible. Without a working battery, a smoke detector can't do its job and the risk of dying in a fire increases greatly. Smoke detector batteries should be changed when you... Read The Rest
A Firefighter's Gear Weighs Over 70 Pounds
A fully equipped firefighter carries more than 70 pounds of protective gear, including a helmet, turnout coat and pants, boots, gloves, a self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA), and tools. Wearing this gear while fighting a fire in extreme heat requires peak physical fitness and continuous training.
Electrical Fires Often Start Hidden
Electrical fires frequently start inside walls where you cannot see them, often caused by faulty wiring, overloaded circuits, or damaged cords. Warning signs include frequently tripping breakers, flickering lights, discolored outlets, or a burning smell with no visible source. If you notice any of these, call a licensed electrician.