September 2026

October is Fire Safety Month

Greetings!

This is the time of year to plan for everything. Not just holiday festivities and winter getaways. But planning for next year's remodeling project is also important. It can take six to twelve weeks to receive all of the finish materials for a kitchen or bathroom project.

If you wait until the holidays are over, it might be summer before you get everyone's schedule to line up and materials in. It's also likely the materials will be up in price another 5% or more.

Call us now to take advantage of a free in-home consultation and start the planning process.

Kitchen fires can start fast and spread faster. According to a National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) study dated August 31, 2023: "Cooking caused an average of 158,400 reported home structure fires per year (44 percent of all reported home fires in the US). These fires resulted in an average of 470 civilian deaths (18 percent of all home fire deaths) and 4,150 civilian injuries (42 percent of all reported home fire injuries) annually.”

The best way to prevent a kitchen fire from taking everything and everyone in your home is to prepare. The National Fire Protection Association is a great place to start.

Below is a brief Q & A to start you thinking about preventing and extinguishing a kitchen fire in your home.

An more detailed version of this message can be found on my blog.

When you are ready to move forward with your next project, we are ready to help. We also love referrals and appreciate them. Contact us today.

Jeff

Jeff Kida, CR

NARI Certified Remodeler

Owner - DDS Design Services, LLC

Chairman - NARI of Greater Chicago 

630-530-8099

DDS Design Services Testimonials LinkedIn Facebook 

Test Your Kitchen Safety Knowledge

Q – How do I extinguish a grease fire?

A – Turn off the heat. Cover the pot with its lid which should always be nearby and always ready to use. If that doesn’t work use properly rated fire extinguisher for grease or kitchen fires. 

Q – What are the best ways to prevent an electrical fire in my kitchen?

A – Don’t use extension cords on appliances. Make sure any and all appliances are plugged into a GFCI (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter) rated outlet. They will prevent shock and electrocution. Periodically inspect all your appliance cords to make sure there is no fraying. Don’t overload an outlet or circuit. Overloading can create a heat buildup in your wall causing an arc or spark that could lead to a fire inside your wall.

Q – What if a fire occurs inside my oven?

A – The safest course of action is to turn off the oven door and close the door to contain the fire. If that doesn’t smother the fire grab the fire extinguisher. Even if the fire appears to be out you should call 911 to make sure the fire didn’t expand beyond the cooking cavity of your oven. 

Q – What type of fire extinguisher is used for electrical fires?

A – It’s as simple as ABC. Most commonly available fire extinguishers have an ABC rating and can be used in an electrical fire.

Q – Which of the following actions should be taken to minimize the risk of a fire when frying food in oil?

A – Use a thermometer to monitor oil temperature. Add food to the oil slowly to prevent splattering and burning your skin. Don’t overfill your pot with oil. Make sure the oil is at least two inches from the top of the pot when cooking. Don’t overheat the oil. Find out the smoke point for the oil you are using and don’t exceed it. Keep combustible items away from the cooking surface.

Fire Safety Products for Your Home

Fire Extinguisher Label Courtesy of The National Fire Protection Association®

Warning: In the event of a fire use as much common sense as you can muster. Don’t be a hero. The second a fire seems to be getting out of control get everyone out of the house and call the fire department. Don’t risk letting the fire trap you inside.

For more information check with your fire department, they may conduct an assessment or suggest a company that can review your home and make suggestions. The Kidde website is also a great source of information.

Fire Blanket: One way to add to your Fire Safety Preparedness is a Fire Blanket. Unlike fire extinguishers they don’t expire. There are many on the market. Here is a link to Prepared Hero, a company that offers them.

Please note that supplies can run dry this time of year.

A Functional and Safe Kitchen

Images Courtesy of Restore Plumbing & Drain, Elgin, IL.

Calling All

Hinsdale Rotarians And Friends

Sunday, October 4, 2026

Race day is almost here!

If you are unable to join us that day, there is plenty of time to make a donation . Our goal is $5,000 and as of this printing we are at $890.00. Please consider contributing to this worthwhile cause.

NARI Chicago News

NARI Chicago Goes Bowling

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 20, 6 - 8 PM

Join us for an evening full of strikes, turkeys and hambones! This casual social event is designed for members to mix and mingle with new connections while knocking down pins. Exact details on team formation, sponsorship and more will be shared soon.

REGISTRATION IS OPEN 

Diversey River Bowl, 2211 W Diversey Pkwy, Chicago, 60647

Trends

Trend # 1

Hot off the presses from MOEN

The Kivo™ Modern Kitchen Faucet Collection

Inspired by professional kitchen functionality yet softened for residential spaces, Kivo’s bold simplicity blends seamlessly into a variety of interior styles. From modern and industrial to warm contemporary, its sculptural profile elevates the sink area with an understated, architectural presence.

“Kivo brings a new level of modern refinement to the kitchen, pairing our slimmest faucet design with the performance and reliability homeowners expect from Moen,” said Derek Voigt, Director of Product Management, Moen. “Its minimalist silhouette and thoughtfully designed configurations create an elevated experience that feels at home in both modern and transitional kitchens.”

A spring-loaded pull-down version is expected out in October 2026.

Moen Kivo Kitchen Prep - Bar Faucet in Chrome, a polished, reflective finish with crisp cool tones (above) and in Lifeshine Bronzed Gold (below), a warm, soft gold that elevates contemporary and transitional designs. Images and info courtesy of MOEN.

Trend #2

Hidden Appliances and Passages Out of Sight out of Mind

The above hidden appliance wall image courtesy of Jeff Kida.

Now you see it.

Now you don't.

Above images from Don Van Cura Sr.

Hall of Shame

Improper Lighting and Framing

Above image courtesy of Todd Chionis from Top Drawer Carpentry

Improper wiring for a wall oven as well as some improper wiring for an accessory. Image from Jeff Kida.