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Crime & Safety

Restaurant Fire a Reminder to Use Kitchen Safety

The fire department urges residents not to leave food unattended on the stove and to ensure all appliances are in good working order.

A small fire that broke out Saturday at Union Cattle Company could have destroyed the restaurant's kitchen, but beach cities firefighters were able to make sure that didn't happen. In the wake of the blaze, officials say it offers safety lessons for both professional and home cooks.

The fire was caused by minor grease buildup in a vent hood system, which is fairly common in most kitchens, even those that are well-maintained, according to fire officials. In addition to being vigilant about such buildup on stoves or ovens, the Manhattan Beach Fire Department offers these tips to help avoid kitchen fires:

Cooking

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Do not leave food unattended on the stove. If you must leave the kitchen, take a wooden spoon or a pot holder as a reminder. If a grease fire should happen, the best way to put it out is by sliding a lid over the pan to smother the flames and turning off the stove.  The lid will cool the pan, extinguishing the fire and preventing it from spreading.

Avoid wearing sleeves that can dangle near the burners while cooking, and the same goes for cooking near kitchen curtains. You should never use the oven to heat your home. Finally, check the kitchen before going to bed—is the oven off? Is the coffee pot unplugged?

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Smoke Detectors

State laws require that every home have operable smoke detectors installed on each floor, including the basement, and in hallways. Hallways longer than 30 feet should have one at each end. Smoke detectors should also be placed inside bedrooms where doors are kept closed while the occupants are sleeping. They should be tested at least once a month.

Kitchen Appliances

Don't use kitchen appliances that are not well maintained or have cracked or frayed electrical cords. If an appliance overheats, starts to smoke or emits an unusual smell, unplug it immediately to avoid fire danger. Do not let crumbs build up on your toaster and avoid overloading electrical outlets with appliances.

Be Prepared

Plan and rehearse an escape route in case of a fire. Residents should know at least two unobstructed exits—doors and windows—from each room in a home. In an apartment building, use stairwells, never elevators.

For more information, visit the Manhattan Beach Fire Department website.

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