Moore County fire departments are teaming up with State Farm and 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, which runs through Oct. 14, educates families about simple but important steps to keep themselves and others safe.
“Cooking fires are the leading cause of U.S. home fires and home fire injuries. This year’s Fire Prevention Week campaign works to highlight when and where cooking fires happen most often, along with simple ways to minimize those risks,” said Lorraine Carli, VP of Outreach and Advocacy.
The fire departments and local State Farm Agent Ward Roland encourage all residents to cook cautiously. In support of those efforts, Roland recently donated Fire Prevention Week kits to the fire departments, which include home fire safety and prevention activities and information for children and adults.
“State Farm encourages homeowners to make fire prevention an important part of their overall home safety plan. Fire Prevention Week reminds us that cooking with caution should be at the top of the list,” said Roland. “This also is a good time to check your smoke alarms to ensure they are functioning properly.”
The fire departments offer these key safety tips to help reduce the risk of a cooking fire.
*Watch what you heat. Always keep a close eye on what you are cooking. Set a timer to remind you that you are cooking.
*Turn pot handles toward the back of the stove. Always keep a lid nearby when cooking. If a small grease fire starts, slide the lid over the pan and turn off the burner.
*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.
For more information about Fire Prevention Week and cooking safety, visit www.fpw.org
Feature photo: Cypress Pointe Fire and Rescue members promote fire prevention with “Cooking Safety Starts with YOU” during 2023 Fire Prevention Week™.
Contributed/Courtesy photo.
