TAP TO CALL
A Holiday Reminder About Fire Safety
This holiday season, Sam Davis, a Founding Partner of Davis, Saperstein, & Salomon P.C., wants to remind everyone about the importance of fire safety. With decades of experience supporting and representing burn victims, Sam recently met with Fire Chief Steve Naylis to discuss the most common types of fires and how to prevent them.
Although there are many fire dangers in the home such as candles, holiday lights, fireplaces, etc., kitchen fires can be particularly devastating. Stovetop fires can very quickly get out of hand, so learning how to put them out effectively can lessen the damages of a fire and save lives. The biggest and most dangerous mistake people make with kitchen fires is to pour water on it. Fire Chief Naylis wants to remind everyone: DO NOT POUR WATER ON A STOVETOP FIRE. The water will cause the fire to expand and explode into a much larger fire, so it’s best to use a fire blanket to smother it instead of inciting it.
If needed, here are directions for fire blanket use:
1. Assess the Situation: First, make sure the fire is manageable and not out of control. If it’s too large or spreading, evacuate immediately and call emergency services.
2. Turn Off the Heat Source: If it’s safe, switch off the stovetop burner.
3. Retrieve the Fire Blanket
4. Hold the Blanket Properly: Grip the top edges or handles of the blanket to protect your hands. Make sure the blanket is held in front of you, like a shield.
5. Approach Carefully: Move toward the fire slowly and avoid sudden air movement that might spread the flames.
6. Place the Blanket Over the Fire: Gently lay the fire blanket completely over the flames, starting from the nearest edge and moving forward to smother the fire. DO NOT throw or drop the blanket – this can fan the flames!!
7. Leave the Blanket in Place: Keep the fire blanket on the stovetop to ensure the fire is fully suffocated and cooled down.
8. Monitor for Safety: Watch for any signs of smoke, smoldering, or reignition.
Most Important! Always prioritize your safety – if the fire grows or becomes unmanageable, evacuate and call emergency services.
From Sam and all the Partners at Davis, Saperstein, & Salomon P.C., we wish you and your loved ones a happy, healthy, and safe holiday season!
