....and that means that we start lighting up our homes earlier and earlier.

The time between Halloween and New Year's Day also happens to be the time of the year when a great many home fires occur since it's also the heating season and a lot of cooking gets done for Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas, and those New Year's Day football games.

The National Fire Protection Association ranks cooking as the #1 cause of home fires, which surprised me since I don't cook. I knew that cigarettes, candles, heating equipment, and extension cords were high on the list. Let's take a look at cooking, though, and what we can do to prevent cooking fires:

1. A major cause is simply the lack of cleanliness. Not only can a heavy accumulation of grease catch on fire, but it creates a health hazard since all sorts of bacteria and other micro-organisms live in the grease. Clean the air filter on your kitchen vent hood, as well as the surfaces of your stove, microwave, and nearby cabinets, drawers, and countertops.
2. Don't wear clothes with loose-fitting sleeves, or roll the sleeves up when cooking, especially with an open-flame gas appliance.
3. Paper towels, hot pads, towels, and curtains at that kitchen window should be kept well away from hot surfaces such as the countertop toaster oven.
4. San Diego Gas & Electric recommends having all gas-using appliances inspected annually to help prevent gas leaks or other problems during this time of heavier-than-normal usage.
5. Many people install microwaves above the stove and below the cabinet. Sometimes, though, it doesn't leave enough clearance between the bottom of the microwave and the top of the burners, causing heat damage to the bottom of the microwave and forcing you to reach over hot pots or burners to get to those rear burners. If you don't think you have enough clearance, you probably don't. Move the microwave, get a different microwave, or have the microwave raised.
6. If a fire starts in your microwave, do not open the door. Instead, unplug the microwave and the fire should go out on its own due to lack of oxygen. Make sure you have a working fire extinguisher in your kitchen that is ready to use, and call the fire department if there is any doubt whatsoever. It is better to call back and cancel the alarm rather than call too late.
7. The same goes for a fire in your oven. Keep the door closed and turn off the oven off.
8. If you have a grease fire in a pot or pan, you can usually snuff it out by carefully sliding a lid over the pan. Make sure you turn the burner off and resist moving the pot or pan to the sink. Just leave it alone until the pan cools. Baking soda is also a great way to suff out a grease fire. Whatever you do, never, ever throw water on a grease fire because the grease will splatter and possibly cause the fire to spread.

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If you're looking for a great condominium in Mission Valley,
the heart and soul of San Diego, please give me a call.

I'm available 24/7, so feel free to contact me by phone or email.

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Jim Frimmer, Realtor
Century 21 Award Mission Valley
California DRE License #01458572
619-729-5701
jimfrimmer@century21award.com
Mission Valley Condos Information

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