Grease fires can turn a calm kitchen into a raging inferno within seconds. Picture this: a skillet filled with hot oil suddenly catching fire, flames licking the ceiling, and panic setting in. In such a situation, instincts might lead you to grab the nearest water source but halt! What happens if you add water to a grease fire?
Pouring water on a grease fire is a recipe for disaster. The water droplets instantly sink into the hot oil, causing it to splatter violently. This violent reaction can escalate the fire, spreading it faster and causing severe burns or injuries. Scientific American explains that the reason behind this chaos lies in the fundamental property differences between water and oil.
So, how should you put out a grease fire? Here are some essential tips to combat this fiery menace:
- Smother the Fire: Quickly and carefully place a metal lid or cookie sheet over the flames to cut off the fire’s oxygen supply.
- Use Baking Soda or Salt: Sprinkle baking soda or salt over the fire. These substances can help smother the flames by creating a barrier between the fuel and oxygen.
- Fire Extinguisher: Keep a Class K fire extinguisher in the kitchen. It’s specifically designed for grease fires and can effectively put them out.
But what if you’re not alone when a grease fire erupts? This is where the EmergiNet’s MEERAS (Multi-Emergency Early Response App System) swoops in as your guardian angel.
EmergiNet’s MEERAS is more than just an app; it’s a lifeline during emergencies. Here’s how it works:
- Rapid Response: With a tap on your smartphone, connect instantly with the nearest fire department and local fire volunteers for immediate assistance.
- Early Detection: Integrated sensors detect fires early, allowing for swift action, minimizing damage, and, most importantly, saving lives.
- Automated Alerts: Receive automatic notifications to evacuate or take necessary precautions, ensuring you’re always one step ahead of the danger.
- Resource Optimization: By efficiently allocating firefighting resources, the app ensures a quicker and more effective response to fire emergencies.
- Property Protection: Safeguard your assets with quick response times, reducing the risk of extensive property damage.
When disaster strikes, seconds decide fates. EmergiNet’s 8E MEERAS, readily available on your phone, can transform a minor fire mishap into averted tragedy. So, remember, when faced with a grease fire, stay calm, don’t use water, and reach for safer alternatives. And don’t forget to equip yourself with EmergiNet’s MEERAS—it might just be your hero in disguise.
References:
How should you put out a grease fire?
https://kfor.com/news/how-should-you-put-out-a-grease-fire/
How to put out a grease fire- and why using water is a horrible idea
https://www.counton2.com/news/latest-news/how-to-put-out-a-grease-fire-and-why-using-water-is-a-horrible-idea/
Home Fire Safety
https://www.redcross.org/get-help/how-to-prepare-for-emergencies/types-of-emergencies/fire.html