The campaign works to educate everyone about the small but important actions they can take 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. 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.
“A cooking fire can grow very quickly and I have seen many homes damaged by fires that could easily have been prevented,” said Camden County Fire Rescue Chief Terry Smith. “We want to encourage all Camden County residents to take steps to ensure they are using their kitchens safely.”
Camden County Fire Rescue wants to share safety tips to keep you from having a cooking fire.
- 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.
More information will be available on the Camden County Fire Rescue Facebook and Twitter pages throughout the week. Due to COVID-19 precautions, limited fire safety presentation opportunities are available. If your group or organization would like to learn more about possible presentations, please contact Fire Rescue Headquarters at 912-729-3911. For more general information about Fire Prevention Week and kitchen fire safety, visit www.fpw.org.