This year’s Fire Prevention Week campaign, “Cooking Safety Starts with You! Pay Attention to Fire Prevention,” works to educate the public about simple but important steps they can take to help reduce the risk of fire when cooking at home to keep themselves and those around them safe. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) is the official sponsor of Fire Prevention Week — an event that NFPA has been driving for more than 100 years.

According to NFPA, cooking is the leading cause of home fires, with nearly half (49 percent) of all home fires involving cooking equipment. Cooking is also the leading cause of home fire injuries. In fact, unattended cooking is the leading cause of home cooking fires and related deaths. In addition, NFPA data shows that cooking is the only major cause of fire that resulted in more fires and fire deaths in 2014 – 2018 than in 1980 – 1984.

The following are cooking safety messages that support this year’s theme:

• Always keep a close eye on what you’re cooking. For foods with longer cooking times — such as those that are simmering or baking — set a timer to help monitor them carefully
• Clear the cooking area of combustible items and keep away anything that can burn — such as dish towels, oven mitts, food packaging, and paper towels
• Turn pot handles toward the back of the stove. Keep a lid nearby when cooking. If a small grease fire starts, slide the lid over the pan and turn off the burner
• Create a “kid and pet free zone” of at least three feet (one meter) around the cooking area and anywhere else hot food or drink is prepared or carried

For more information about Fire Prevention Week, including frequently asked questions about smoke and carbon monoxide alarms, safety tip sheets, and activities for kids of all ages, visit: https://www.nfpa.org/fpw

Since 1922, the NFPA (National Fire Protection Association) has sponsored the public observance of Fire Prevention Week. Fire Prevention Week is observed each year during the week of October 9th in commemoration of the Great Chicago Fire, which began on October 8, 1871 and caused devastating damage.

Credit to: NFPA

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