Being faced with a grease fire in the kitchen can be very daunting but knowing how to deal with it could prevent injury to yourself, your family and damage to your home.

A grease fire happens when oil in pan or collections of oil and grease on a stove get hot enough to ignite. As grease is liquid this dangerously hot material can be easily splashed and quickly spread to cabinets and other flammable areas in the kitchen.

It you only remember one thing, remember this. DO NOT USE WATER on a grease fire. As the water is heavier than the oil it sinks to the bottom where it becomes super heated. The explosive force of the steam blows the burning oil up and out creating a fireball that can engulf a kitchen, and potentially you, in minutes. The first thing to do is turn off the burner. Find a pan lid to smother the fire, metal is best as glass can break under extreme heat. Now call 911, even if you think you have put the fire out the fire department can make sure that everything has been properly extinguished.

If the grease fire is small and you have baking soda to hand this can be used to smother the flames, but it is usually easier and quicker to use a pan lid. Never try to carry the fire to the sink or outside as the oil will slosh around and could injure you or even spread the fire. You only have moments to react and if in doubt, get you and your family out.

If you have been injured in an accident, the Tifton accident attorneys of Langdale Vallotton, LLP, are dedicated to helping victims like you win. Please, call us at (229) 244-5400 or contact us online right away to schedule your free initial consultation.