Clothing Fire
Clothes catch fire for many reasons. Candles, matches, cigarettes, grills, or barbecues are all possible causes. In this situation, the advice that we all learn in school still holds true. Cover your face, stop, drop, and roll. Then call for help.
Grease Fire
The U.S. Fire Administration (USFA) recommends keeping an oven mitt and lid close by when you’re cooking. If a small grease fire starts, you can try to smother it with the lid and protect your hand with the oven mitt. Baking soda can also suffocate a small grease fire. Of course, as fire departments like the FDNY advise, never use water on a grease fire. The flames will flare up and the grease will splatter increasing the size of the fire.
Electrical Fire
If you have an electrical fire, do not pour water on it until the electricity has been disconnected. In this instance, water will act as a conductor and make the fire worse. Always turn off the appliance first. If you have a fire in your microwave, the USFA advises turning it off if you can and keeping the door closed until the fire goes out.
Remember, fires grow quickly. These aren’t the only dangers you face and you cannot try to fight every fire. Sometimes the best option is to leave and call in the professionals, but it’s important to be prepared for the fires that you can put out.