(above) The National Fire Prevention Association is focused on the theme “serving up fire safety in the kitchen” this year.
Fire Prevention Week, Issues Kitchen Safety Tips
From Sunday, October 4 to Sunday, October 10, 2020, the Summit Fire Department will join firefighters across the nation in celebrating Fire Prevention Week. With unattended cooking as the leading cause of kitchen fires in the United States, the National Fire Prevention Association is focusing on cooking safety and preventing kitchen fires at home with its topic this year – “serving up fire safety in the kitchen.” This message is particularly relevant as people are spending more time at home and cooking more often during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Summit Fire Department has provided the following safety tips to educate residents on kitchen safety:
While cooking, check the progress of food in the oven and on the stove top regularly. Use a timer to remind you that you are cooking.
Stay indoors until you are finished cooking and if you leave the kitchen, turn off the stove.
Always have a lid nearby when cooking. In the event of a small grease fire, cover the pan with a lid and turn off the burner. Leave the pan covered until it is cool. For an oven fire, turn off the heat and keep the door closed.
Keep anything that can catch fire such as food packaging, paper towels, dish cloths and pot holders away from the stove top.
Avoid wearing baggy or very loose clothing that can make contact with burners and catch fire while cooking.
Have a “kid-free zone” of at least three feet around the stovetop, oven and microwave areas where hot food or drinks are prepared to avoid contact and potential burns to children.
If you have any doubt about fighting a small fire, just get out. When you leave, close the door behind you to help contain the fire. Call 9-1-1 from outside the home.
For more information on the Summit Fire Department and its fire safety programs, visit the city website at cityofsummit.org/fire.
Check our Events Calendar for More Local Events
