FIRE PREVENTION WEEK

OCT 8 - 14, 2023

“Cooking safety starts with you!”

This year’s Fire Prevention Week™ (FPW™) campaign, “Cooking safety starts with YOU. Pay attention to fire prevention™,” works to educate everyone about simple but important actions they can take to keep themselves and those around them safe when cooking.

COOKING SAFETY STARTS WITH YOU!

When it comes to cooking safety, it all begins with you. You play a crucial role in preventing potential fire hazards and ensuring a secure environment in your kitchen. By being mindful and proactive, you can significantly reduce the risk of accidents and protect yourself, your loved ones, and your property. Here are some key points to consider:

Stay Attentive: One of the most important aspects of cooking safety is to remain attentive at all times while working in the kitchen. Avoid distractions like phone calls, television, or engaging in activities that may divert your attention from the cooking process. Remember, a momentary lapse in focus can lead to serious consequences.
Never Leave Unattended: It's essential never to leave cooking appliances or open flames unattended. Whether you're using the stove, oven, or any other cooking equipment, make sure to stay in the kitchen and keep a close eye on the food being prepared. If you need to step away, turn off the heat or appliance before doing so.
Keep Flammable Items Away: Keep flammable items such as kitchen towels, pot holders, paper towels, and curtains away from heat sources. Maintain a safe distance between them and any open flames, stovetops, or hot surfaces to prevent accidental fires.
Use Cooking Timers: Utilize timers to keep track of cooking times, especially when using the oven or stove. Setting a timer will help you remember to check on your food and avoid overcooking or burning, which can lead to fire hazards.
Practice Safe Cooking Techniques: Familiarize yourself with proper cooking techniques and follow them diligently. For example, when frying, ensure the pan is not filled with too much oil to avoid spills or splatters. Use long-handled utensils to stir and handle food safely, reducing the risk of burns.
Keep Children and Pets Away: Create a safe zone in the kitchen where children and pets are not allowed while cooking. Establish clear boundaries to prevent accidental contact with hot surfaces, boiling liquids, or potential hazards. Assign a designated play area or supervise them closely in a safe location outside the cooking zone.
Have a Fire Extinguisher: Keep a fire extinguisher in your kitchen and ensure it is easily accessible. Familiarize yourself with its proper usage and maintenance. In case of a small fire that you can safely manage, the fire extinguisher can be an invaluable tool to prevent further escalation.

Remember, cooking safety is a shared responsibility. By being mindful of these guidelines and actively implementing them, you can create a secure cooking environment that minimizes the risk of accidents and promotes the well-being of everyone around you.

PAY ATTETION TO FIRE PREVENTION!

It is crucial to pay close attention to fire prevention in the kitchen, as this area of the home is particularly prone to fire hazards. By being vigilant and adopting fire safety practices, you can significantly reduce the risk of kitchen fires and ensure the safety of yourself and those around you. Here are some key points to emphasize:

Clear Clutter and Maintain Cleanliness: Keep your kitchen clean and free of clutter. Remove any flammable materials, such as paper towels, packaging, or grease buildup, from the cooking area. A clean and tidy space not only promotes better hygiene but also minimizes the chances of accidental fires.
Monitor Heat Sources: Whether you're using the stovetop, oven, or any other heat source, it's essential to monitor them closely. Never leave cooking appliances unattended, as uncontrolled heat can quickly escalate into a dangerous situation. Regularly check that burners and ovens are turned off once you're done cooking.
Control Grease Buildup: Grease buildup on stovetops, range hoods, and ovens can easily ignite and cause a fire. Regularly clean these areas to prevent the accumulation of grease. Additionally, avoid cooking with excessive amounts of oil or fat, as this can lead to splattering and potential flare-ups.
Stay in the Kitchen: When cooking, always remain in the kitchen and keep a watchful eye on the food being prepared. Being present allows you to promptly address any potential fire hazards and take immediate action if a fire starts. Remember, a few moments of inattention can have severe consequences.
Use Cooking Appliances Properly: Familiarize yourself with the operating instructions and safety guidelines for all your cooking appliances. Follow them diligently to ensure safe usage. For instance, avoid using damaged or faulty electrical cords or plugs, as they can pose a fire risk.
Practice Safe Cooking Practices: Employ safe cooking practices to reduce the likelihood of fires. This includes using appropriate-sized cookware that fits the burners properly, turning pot handles inward to prevent accidental knocks or spills, and avoiding loose-fitting clothing that can catch fire easily.
Be Prepared: Have a fire extinguisher readily available in the kitchen, and make sure you know how to use it correctly. Install smoke alarms near the kitchen area and ensure they are working properly. Regularly check and replace batteries as needed. Additionally, have a well-defined fire escape plan for your household and ensure everyone is familiar with it.

By paying attention to fire prevention in the kitchen, you can create a safer cooking environment for yourself and others. Cultivate a culture of mindfulness, stay informed about fire safety practices, and encourage everyone in your household to prioritize fire prevention. Your efforts will go a long way in minimizing the risk of kitchen fires and promoting the well-being of all.

KITCHEN SAFETY FOR CHILDREN

Cooking safety is super important for us kids because it keeps us safe and protects our home. Here are some fire safety tips for the kitchen:

Always Ask for Help: When you want to cook or use the stove, ask an adult to help you. They can show you how to do it safely.
Keep the Kitchen Clean: Clean up spills and messes quickly, so nothing can catch fire.
Keep Away from Hot Things: Stoves, ovens, and pots can get super hot! Be careful and stay away from them when they are on.
Don't Play with Electrical Cords: Electrical cords should be handled gently, and don't pull them or play with them.
Don’t leave toys on the kitchen floor: Toys can cause a tripping accident that can hurt someone or even start a fire.
Use Oven Mitts: If you need to touch something hot, like a pot or a tray from the oven, always use oven mitts to protect your hands.
Watch What You Cook: Never leave the stove or oven alone when you are cooking. Stay close and pay attention.
Stay Low if There's Smoke: If you see smoke, get down low and crawl to safety. Smoke rises, and it's safer to stay close to the floor.
Tell a Grown-up if You See Fire: If you see fire, don't try to put it out yourself. Tell a grown-up right away so they can handle it safely.
Have a Fire Escape Plan: Talk with your family about what to do in case of a fire. Know how to get out of the house and where to meet outside.

Remember, fire safety is super important, and it's everyone's responsibility to keep the kitchen safe. By following these tips and being careful, we can have fun cooking while staying safe at the same time!

Download our “Cooking Safety starts with YOU!” flyer to share with friends and family!