Not everything can go into a microwave!
5/3/2021 (Permalink)
Inside of a microwave that caught on fire in a home in West Kelowna, BC. The microwave caught fire due to user heating up a take-out container.
Microwaves are the second most common cause of residential kitchen fires! Here is a list of items that SHOULD NEVER go in a microwave:
- Paper bags
- Take-out containers
- Metal/Aluminum Foil
- Styrofoam
- Grapes (They will explode and could catch on fire)
- Cookware with metal trim
- Plastic storage containers without a “Microwave Safe” label
- Nothing (When there's nothing in the microwave to absorb the microwaves, the microwave can actually catch fire or cause damage to the microwave)
Thanksgiving Dinner Fire Safety
10/8/2020 (Permalink)
Happy Thanksgiving from the SERVPRO of Kelowna Team
Oct 4 to 10th is “Fire Safety” week. As many of us will be gathering to enjoy a yummy Thanksgiving feast this weekend, we wanted to provide some reminders and tips for your Thanksgiving dinner:
- Ensure your smoke alarms are connected and working
- Never leave your food unattended. Use a timer and routinely check you’re cooking
- If frying or deep-frying, keep the fryer outside, away from walls and moisture
- Ensure pot holders and food wrappers are always at a safe distance from the stove
- Avoid wearing dangling accessories or loose clothes while cooking
- Never douse a grease fire with water!! Turn off the burner, smother the flames, or douse with baking soda……or use a fire extinguisher
- Keep a fire extinguisher handy in the kitchen, and know how to use it
Home Fire Safety Checklist
8/17/2020 (Permalink)
Fire fighters extinguishing a house fire in West Kelowna, BC
A fire in your home is devastating, and sadly many times could have been avoided. Ensuring your home is fire safe on a regular basis is crucial for prevention. Below is a fire safety checklist to use. Protect what’s most important…your family, loved ones and home.
- Ensure each level of your home has a working fire alarm and carbon monoxide detector
- Clean vents/air ducts & dryer vent
- Check appliances (even hair dryers and lamps) for worn or frayed cords (Damaged cords should be replaced and discarded)
- Avoid “knock-off” electrical products (these products can easily overheat or short circuit)
- Check extension cords and wall sockets- do not overload
- Do not run cords under rugs or carpeting
- Change your air filter and inspect your furnace
- Check your range hood and fan are fully vented and remove greasy buildup
- Create a fire escape plan with your family
- Prepare a home emergency kit
- Create a home inventory of your belongings (Take pictures or make a video)
- Invest in a fire proof safe to keep all your irreplaceable/important documents protected
Did you know? According to the province of BC, in 43% of home fires causing a loss of life, there was no working smoke alarm. Be prepared, be safe.