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		DO update your fire extinguisher regularly. They don’t last forever. DON’T forget to test smoke alarms regularly and change the batteries twice a year.

No Kitchen Is Complete Without…

1. It is recommended that you have a smoke alarm on each level of your home – at the very least. It’s an even better idea to have more.
   
2. Smoke alarms can be powered in several different ways. The most common models require batteries, which should be changed twice a year. Newer models have a 10-year battery that doesn’t require changing. There are also models that are wired into your electrical system and have a battery backup.
   
3. For a kitchen it’s convenient to choose a smoke alarm with a “silence button.” This allows you to turn off the sound if you burn your toast but aren’t in danger from fire. (see fig. A)
   
   

   Fig. A		Fig. B

4. Every kitchen should have a fire extinguisher within easy reach. Be sure to buy an extinguisher designated as a “kitchen” extinguisher – one with an ABC rating. An extinguisher created to battle your basic wood fire won’t work on a greasy kitchen blaze.
   
5. You can buy non-rechargable fire extinguishers intended to be used only once and then discarded.
   
6. Rechargable extinguishers can be serviced and recharged if they’re used, or when they lose pressure. It is recommended that this be done once a year, regardless of whether or not the extinguisher has been used.
   
7. If your cooking does burst into flames and you don’t have a fire extinguisher handy, cover the fire with a lid, if possible. Baking soda will also quench flames.
   
8. When cooking, keep flammable items away from the stove.
   
9. Turn all pot handles toward the centre of the cooking surface so that they don’t accidentally get knocked and cause a severe burn.
   
10. When Brigitte’s “slip” led to a whole new version of “Bare Bottom Bacon Butty,” she learned that it’s a good idea to have an emergency first aid kit available in the kitchen. Since burns are a common problem, a small information card with burn care instructions would be beneficial. No, you don’t put butter on burns… (see fig. B)
    
11. Make sure that all outlets near sinks or other water sources have Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters. (see fig. C)
    
12. Don’t wear clothing with loose sleeves when cooking near a stove. That’s important. But, as our friend the Bare Bottom Chef learned, it’s important to wear enough clothes to cover the essentials. Bare Bottom cooking is not recommended!
    
    

    Fig. C		Fig. D

Building Materials, and Sico paint BMR/Builders Warehouse 3636 Innes Rd. Orlean, ON K1C 1T1 p. 613-824-2702 Kitchen design, cabinets, hardware, lighting, and installation Astro Design Centre 1260 Old Innes Rd. Ottawa, ON K1B 3V3 p. 613-749-1902 Kitchen cabinet (manufacturer) available of Astro Design Centre. For other locations, please check their website Bernier Kitchens Kitchen faucet (manufacturer) available of Astro Design Centre. For other locations, please check their website Selection 25 Granite countertops and installation Emerald Tile 2878 Sheffield Rd. Ottawa, ON K1B 3V9 p. 613-738-7841 Hardwood flooring Westboro Flooring and Décor 195 Colonnade Rd. S Ottawa, ON K2E 7K3 p. 613-226-3830 General Electric kitchen appliances Universal Appliances 1915 Bank St. Ottawa, ON K1V 8A2 p. 613-521-5002 General Electric kitchen appliance (manufacturer) available of Universal Appliances. For other locations, please check their website General Electric Bar stools and location Ashley Furniture 3636 Innes Rd. Orlean, ON K1C 1T1 p. 613-824-2702

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