In the Home

Kitchen Fires

Lit Gas Stove BurnerMost kitchen fires occur when food is left unattended on the stove. If for any reason you must leave the kitchen while cooking, as a reminder always take a hand towel, oven mitt, or cooking spoon with you to remind you to return to the kitchen.

Avoid wearing loose clothing while cooking it will most likely ignite from the heat or flames and cause serious injury.

Always heat pans with cooking oil slowly and extra caution should be used when deep frying. If you should encounter a cooking fire, immediately place a lid over the pan to quickly extinguish the fire.

Never use water to extinguish a grease fire as it will likely result in injury and possibly death.

Smoking

Smoking materials improperly discarded have been known to claim the lives of many older Americans. If you smoke, be sure to use a non-combustible ashtray or extinguish the lighted cigarette into a container with water.

As always, having a working smoke alarm on each level of your home dramatically increases your chances of surviving a fire. Everyone in your household should be familiar with your family's home escape plan and know exactly where to meet in your neighborhood.

Electric Heaters

Space heaters powered by electricity should not be used in the bathroom or in areas prone to water. Space heaters are referred to as such because they require space, and should be allotted a 36" circumference around any electrical heating appliance. Heaters should never be placed in close proximity to any combustible materials as they can easily ignite and start a fire.

Bathroom Safety

Bathrooms are frequently used rooms in most homes. Some common accidents that happen in bathrooms include falling on slippery surfaces, poisoning from various medications and injuries from various personal care items like razors or curling irons.

Slips, Trips, and Falls

Falls are the second-leading cause of unintentional death in homes and communities, resulting in more than 25,000 fatalities in 2009. The risk of falling, and fall-related problems, rises with age and is a serious issue in homes and communities.

Common locations for falls:

  • Doorways
  • Ramps
  • Cluttered hallways
  • Areas with heavy traffic
  • Uneven surfaces
  • Areas prone to wetness or spills
  • Unguarded heights
  • Unstable work surfaces
  • Ladders
  • Stairs

Fall prevention tips:

  • Secure electrical and phone cords out of traffic areas
  • Remove small throw rugs or use non-skid mats to keep them from slipping
  • Remove tripping hazards (paper, boxes, toys, clothes, shoes) from stairs and walkways
  • Periodically check the condition of walkways and steps, and repair damages immediately
  • Never stand on a chair, table, or another surface on wheels
  • Clean up all spills immediately

Product Recalls

For Consumer Product Safety Recalls, please visit the Consumer Products Safety Commission website