If a small grease fire has not spread beyond the pan, smother it by carefully sliding a lid or cookie sheet over the pan to completely cover it. Turn off the burner and leave the pan covered until it is completely cool. NEVER move the pan or throw wa...
ANSBACH, Germany (May 6, 2015) -- The U.S. Army Garrison Ansbach Fire Department within the past six months responded to two kitchen fires, both the result of unattended cooking. Residents must stay in the kitchen while food cooks to prevent these da...
ANSBACH, Germany (May 7, 2015) -- In the last six months, U.S. Army Garrison Ansbach's fire department has responded to four fires, two of which were in Army Family Housing and were the result of individuals leaving food cooking on the stove unattended.
One of these two incidents resulted in more than $40,000 worth of damage to Army Family Housing quarters.
Cooking is the leading cause of home fires and home fire injuries. Residents should never underestimate the speed and power of fire. A small kitchen fire can turn deadly in a matter of minutes.
These accidents are entirely preventable: If cooking at home, stay in the kitchen and monitor the progress of the cooking.
Follow these Fire Safety Tips to avoid trouble in the kitchen:
• When you fry, grill or broil food, stay in the kitchen. Turn off the stove if you leave the room, even for a short time.
• Stay in your home when you simmer, bake, roast or boil food. Check the food regularly and use a timer to remind you that you are cooking.
• When you are finished cooking, turn off all burners and ovens.
• Don't use the oven or stove top if you are sleepy or not feeling well.
• Keep things that can catch fire -- like oven mitts, wooden utensils, food product wrappers or boxes and paper towels -- away from your stove top.
• Keep the stove top, burners, oven and exhaust hood clean and free of grease.
• Plug microwave ovens directly into a receptacle. Never use an extension cord, as it can overload the circuit and cause a fire.
• Use only microwave-safe containers to heat food.
• Never use aluminum foil or metal objects in a microwave.
In case a cooking fire breaks out, here are a few ways to handle the fire:
• If a small grease fire has not spread beyond the pan, smother it by carefully sliding a lid or cookie sheet over the pan to completely cover it. Turn off the burner and leave the pan covered until it is completely cool. NEVER move the pan or throw water on a grease fire.
• For an oven fire, turn off the heat and keep the door closed.
• For a microwave fire, shut off the power and keep the door closed.
• If you try to fight the fire with a fire extinguisher, be sure others are leaving the home and you have a clear exit path.
• When in doubt, just get outside. Close the door behind you to help contain the fire and call the fire department.
Most people assume they have more time to escape than they actually do. When fire strikes, speed is essential. Fires can spread rapidly through the home, engulfing the home in smoke and flames in a few minutes, which makes escaping nearly impossible.
In case of an emergency, the USAG Ansbach Fire and Emergency Services Division can be reached by dialing 09802-83-112 or 09802-83-117 for Ansbach-area support or 09841-83-112 or 09841-83-117 for Storck Barracks-area support or by calling DSN 112 or DSN 117 from a government phone. These numbers should be preprogrammed into cellphones for quick reference.
For all emergency numbers, and to print out a copy, visit "USAG Ansbach Emergency Phone Numbers" in the "Related Links" section on this page.
To get more information on fire safety or to schedule a fire safety class, fire extinguisher training or a tour through the fire department, call the USAG Ansbach Fire and Emergency Services Division at 09802-83-2822 or DSN 467-2822. Ask for the fire prevention office or for the fire chief.
Related Links:
Team Ansbach: USAG Ansbach official blog site
USAG Ansbach official home page
USAG Ansbach Emergency Phone Numbers
Franconian News: USAG Ansbach's official news page
USAG Ansbach official Twitter feed
USAG Ansbach official Facebook page
Social Sharing