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Fire Prevention Week Oct. 8-14

Queen Creek Fire and Medical Department is joining forces with the National Fire Protection Association to promote this year's Fire Prevention Week campaign, “Cooking safety starts with YOU. Pay attention to fire prevention."
Kelly Mixer

The Queen Creek Fire and Medical Department (QCFMD) is joining forces with the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) to promote this year's Fire Prevention Week campaign, “Cooking safety starts with YOU. Pay attention to fire prevention."

This year's campaign, Oct. 8-14, works to educate everyone about simple but important actions they can take when cooking to keep themselves and those around them safe.

According to NFPA, cooking is the leading cause of home fires and home fire injuries in the United States. Unattended cooking is the leading cause of cooking fires and deaths.

“Year after year, cooking remains the leading cause of home fires by far, accounting for half (49%) of all U.S. home fires,” said Lorraine Carli, vice president of outreach and advocacy at NFPA. “These numbers tell us that there is still much work to do when it comes to better educating the public about ways to stay safe when cooking.”

Cooking fires are preventable. Take the following precautions to reduce the risk of cooking fires:

  • Stay in the kitchen while cooking. Keep an eye on what you’re cooking. Don’t allow yourself to walk away from the stove or get distracted.
  • Turn pot handles toward the back of the stove, so pans don’t accidentally get knocked over.
  • Keep a lid nearby to cover a potential pan fire.
  • Keep your stovetops, burners and ovens clean. Don’t allow combustible materials to pile up near cooking appliances.
  • Set a timer as a reminder to check the progress of your cooking.
  • Have a “kid- and pet-free zone” of at least 3 feet (1 meter) around the stove or grill and anywhere else hot food or drink is prepared or carried.
  • Keep flammable objects like grocery bags and paper towels away from the stove.

According to NFPA, be sure to test smoke alarms monthly, change batteries annually and replace the units every 10 years. In addition, NFPA offered the following tips:

  • Always ensure you have working smoke and carbon monoxide alarms in your home.
  • Make an escape plan with your family. Create a family emergency plan and practice it regularly.
  • Practice fire safety in your daily life by keeping flammable items away from heat sources.
  • Keep all sources of ignition such as matches or lighters out of the reach of children.
  • Turn off and unplug all unused electronic cables at home.
  • Check the electrical connection before you want to leave the house.
  • Use electrical appliances in the house as needed.

Visit fpw.org to learn more.