We provide this free safety resource to visitors of the Community Room of SeniorSSuperStoreS in an effort to keep baby boomers, seniors and the elderly informed of matters that can affect their lifestyle.

Ingredients:

2 watchful eyes
1 or 2 pot holders or oven mitt
1 clean workspace free of combustible materials
2 short or close-fitting sleeves
1 pan lid
1 large box baking soda
1 fire extinguisher

Combine the above ingredients carefully to prevent cooking fires.

Keep an eye on your cooking, especially food on the range-top. Never leave the stove unattended while cooking. Make sure pot handles are pointed inward, away from the front of the stove, so they cannot be knocked off or pulled down and to avoid spills. When deep-frying, never fill the pot or pan more than one-third full of oil or fat. Watch children closely, and make sure they learn to cook safely.

Clean cooking areas frequently to prevent grease buildup. Keep towels, pot holders and curtains away from flames and hot surfaces. Wear garments with short or close-fitting sleeves when cooking. Turn off burners and heating elements when cooking is finished.

Always have a working smoke detector on every level of your home, especially in the kitchen.

Should a cooking fire occur:

CALL THE FIRE DEPARTMENT IMMEDIATELY - AND ALERT EVERYONE IN THE HOUSE TO GET OUT!!

If you decide to fight the fire, consider the following actions:

* If the fire is in the oven or boiler, keep the door shut and turn off the heat.

* If the fire is on the range top or in a pan, turn the power off and use baking soda (never flour, sugar or water) to extinguish the flame, or slide the pan lid over the pan to smother the flame. Always remember that water on a grease fire causes an even bigger fire! Never try to pick up the burning pan or carry it away from the range.

* Fire extinguishers should be used only by people who are trained to operate them properly. Check with your local fire department for available training.

Sure, putting out a kitchen fire may ruin the meal you're working on, but it's better than destroying your home!