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.