The theme this year is "Serve Up Fire Safety in the Kitchen," emphasizing fire safety while cooking and working in the kitchen.
The goal of Fire Prevention Month is to raise fire safety awareness, and help ensure your home and family has a plan and is ready for the unexpected. In 1922, the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) named the second week of October Fire Prevention Week in commemoration of the Great Chicago Fire in 1871. Today, we celebrate Fire Prevention Week and Month by raising fire safety awareness and educating families, students and communities across the United States.
Cooking is the leading cause of home fires and home fire injuries in the United States. Almost half (44%) of reported home fires started in the kitchen. Two-thirds (66%) of home cooking fires start with the ignition of food or other cooking materials.
Staying in the kitchen, using a timer, and avoiding distractions such as electronics or TV are steps everyone can take to keep families safe in their homes. The most important step you should take before making a meal is to “Serve Up Fire Safety in the Kitchen!”
TIPS DURING FIRE PREVENTION MONTH
• Never leave cooking food unattended. Stay in the kitchen while you are frying, grilling or broiling. If you have to leave, even for a short time, turn off the stove.
• If you are simmering, baking, roasting, or boiling food, check it regularly, remain in the home while food is cooking, and use a timer to remind you that you’re cooking.
• You have to be alert when cooking. You won’t be alert if you are sleepy, have taken medicine or drugs, or consumed alcohol that makes you drowsy.
• Always keep an oven mitt and pan lid nearby when you’re cooking. If a small grease fire starts, slide the lid over the pan to smother the flame. Turn off the burner, and leave the pan covered until it is completely cool.
• Have a “kid-free zone” of at least 3 feet around the stove and areas where hot food or drink is prepared or carried.
Here are some fun activities for kids to play with Sparky and learn about fire safety at http://www.sparky.org/games
Join Sparky's Schoolhouse to learn more about Fire Safety https://sparkyschoolhouse.org/
Find more resources on Fire Safety Month at https://www.nfpa.org/Public-Education/Staying-safe/Preparedness/Fire-Prevention-Week/Educate
