Put a Lid on Grease Fires

When a grease fire occurs on your stove stop put a lid on it by sliding it across the top of the pot or pan. This will smother the fire.
Always have an oven mitt and the proper fitting lid for the pan you are using to heat grease. If you don't have a lid that fits the pan you are using, a flat baking sheet that will cover the entire pan may be substituted.
When the pan is covered, turn off the heat to the burner. Do not uncover the pan until it has cooled for at least 15 minutes.

NEVER USE:

Water: It will explode on contact with grease causing painful and severe burns and fire spread.

Sugar: Will burn and make the fire larger.

Flour: Explodes!

A damp cloth: The level of danger and the possibilities for a burn injury or causing a structure fire by using a damp cloth depends on the amount of water in the cloth. Water from the cloth can contact the grease and cause an explosion. Water in the cloth can heat up and cause steam burns. The cloth can catch on fire.

Special Note: Using Baking Soda was an old practice. Studies found most people panicked and did not remember which white substance in their kitchen smothered the fire.

Grease Fire Prevention and Safety Tips
Never leave cooking unattended and do not use a high setting on the stove to heat grease. Watch what your heat!
Read the instructions, and safety and warning labels on all oils. Some oils, like peanut oil have low ignition temperature and will catch on fire if heated on high.
Should a grease fire occur, don't panic. If you do not fell comfortable putting a lid on the fire or using a fire extinguisher and you believe your safety is in jeopardy, evacuate the house and call 9-1-1 from a neighbor's home or cell phone.
If you think that fire may have spread to the cabinets or to the range exhaust hood, call 9-1-1 and allow trained firefighters to investigate to make sure no fire remains.
Have a charged and operational ABC fire extinguisher easily accessible. Place the fire extinguisher near an exit out of your kitchen. Since most house fires are caused by unattended cooking on the stove top you want to make sure your fire extinguisher in an area the is accessible and you would not have to cross the potential path of a fire to get your extinguisher leaving you possibly trapped.

4-6-2011

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