How To Manage A Grease Fire On Thanksgiving

While it’s a time for gathering and celebration, the increased kitchen activity also raises the risk of accidents, especially grease fires. At Trusted Insurance Partners LLC, your safety is our priority. To help ensure your holiday remains safe and stress-free, here’s everything you need to know about preventing and handling a grease fire.

How to Handle a Grease Fire

In the event a grease fire starts, knowing how to respond quickly can make all the difference. Follow these steps to safely manage the situation:

Turn off the heat source immediately – This will prevent the fire from intensifying.
Smother the flames with a metal lid or cookie sheet – Cover the pan to cut off the fire’s oxygen supply. Do not use glass lids as they may shatter.
Use baking soda or salt – If the fire is small, these common household items can help extinguish the flames. Never use flour or baking powder, as they can ignite.
Grab a Class B fire extinguisher – If the fire becomes too large to handle with baking soda, use a Class B dry chemical fire extinguisher, which is specifically designed for flammable liquids.
Evacuate if necessary – If the fire grows out of control, your safety comes first. Leave the house immediately, close the door behind you to help contain the fire, and call 911.

Prevention Tips

While it’s essential to know how to handle a grease fire, prevention is the best strategy. Keep these safety tips in mind to reduce the risk of kitchen fires:

Don’t overfill pans with oil – Excessive oil heightens the risk of spills, which can easily ignite.
Never leave cooking unattended – If you need to leave the kitchen, even for a moment, turn off the stove. Fires can start and spread within seconds.
Keep flammable items away from the stove – Ensure dish towels, paper towels, and other flammable objects are kept at a safe distance.
Stay prepared – Have a damp, wrung-out towel nearby to smother small flames if necessary. Always keep a fire extinguisher within reach.

What to Avoid During a Grease Fire

In the panic of a fire, it’s important to avoid actions that could worsen the situation:

Never use water to extinguish a grease fire – Water causes the grease to splatter, which can spread the flames.
Do not move a flaming pan – Moving the pan can cause hot oil to spill, spreading the fire to other areas of the kitchen.

By following these preventive measures and handling grease fires properly, you can keep your Thanksgiving celebration both delicious and safe. Remember, if a fire ever becomes too large to manage, evacuate immediately and let the professionals handle it.

At Trusted Insurance Partners LLC, we’re here to help you protect your home and loved ones, not just during the holidays, but year-round. For more safety tips or to ensure your home is fully insured against unexpected incidents, reach out to us today. Let’s work together to keep your home safe and your peace of mind intact.