As the holiday season begins, South Metro Fire Rescue is reminding everyone that safety starts at home. Review our safety information to ensure you and your family have a happy and safe holiday season. Our kitchens are often filled with family, friends, and holiday cooking. But with all that activity comes an increased risk of fire.

Most of these fires are preventable with a few simple habits and a tidy cooking space. 

Tips for Kitchen Safety: 

•  Staying in the kitchen and staying focused on your tasks is the best way to prevent a potentially devastating kitchen fire. If you need to leave—even for a short time—turn off the stove.
• Keep your cooking area clutter-free. Store items like towels, paper, plastic, and packaging away from the stove and oven. 
• Keep handles turned inward. Prevent burns and spills by turning pot handles toward the back of the stove.
• Watch what you heat. Oil and grease can ignite quickly; never leave them unattended.
• Keep a lid nearby. If a small grease fire starts, slide the lid over the pan and turn off the burner. Never use water on a grease fire!

Think Before You Fry! 

Deep-fried turkeys are delicious, but they’re also one of the leading causes of Thanksgiving Day fires. If you would like to enjoy a deep-fried turkey this year, please consider purchasing one cooked by professionals. 

If a fire starts: 

• Oven fire: Keep the door closed and turn off the heat.
• Microwave fire: Turn off the microwave and keep the door closed until the fire is out.
• Grease fire: Smother with a lid or use a fire extinguisher rated for grease fires (Class K or ABC).
• Never try to move a burning pan. You could spill hot grease and spread the fire.

If the fire spreads or you feel unsafe—get out and call 911.

"BEEP BEEP BEEP BEEP!" - 4 beeps means get outside fast! Call 9-1-1

Carbon monoxide (CO) is a gas you cannot see, taste, or smell. It is often called "the invisible killer." CO poisoning can result from gas-, gasoline-, and diesel-fueled vehicles idling inside garages or malfunctioning or improperly vented water heaters, clothes dryers, furnaces, gas fireplaces, and portable generators.

Install CO alarms outside each sleeping area and on every level of the home. Test every month. Use an alarm that is listed by a qualified testing laboratory. 

Symptoms of CO Poisoning: Headache, nausea, and drowsiness. If you suspect CO Poisoning, get outside and call 9-1-1. South Metro has gas meters to test your home for gasses.

Preventable injuries are the #1 killer of kids in the United States.

South Metro Fire Rescue is committed to reducing our top risks faced by kids in our district. Consistent with National Data, top risks for Colorado Kids include unintentional injuries like fires, drownings, and motor vehicle accidents. 

Thank you for doing your part to keep yourself, your home, and our community safe. Please share this important safety information with friends and neighbors so we can all stay safe together!