Fire Prevention Week puts cooking safety on front burner

Oct 5, 2020 | 12:36 PM

Cooking is the leading cause of residential fires and fire injuries in Canada.

And for that reason, Vernon Fire Rescue Services (VFRS) is teaming up with the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) to promote this year’s Fire Prevention Week campaign: “Serve Up Fire Safety in the Kitchen.”

The campaign’s goal is to provide education about simple but important actions everyone can take to keep themselves and those around them safe.

According to the NFPA, cooking is the leading cause of home fires and home fire injuries in Canada. Most home fires start with the ignition of food or other cooking materials.

“We know cooking fires can be prevented,” Lorraine Carli, vice-president of outreach and advocacy at NFPA said. “Staying in the kitchen while cooking, using a timer, and avoiding distractions such as electronics or TV are steps everyone can take to keep families safe in their homes.”

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Vernon Fire Rescue encourages all residents to embrace the Fire Prevention Week theme.

“A cooking fire can grow quickly. Many homes have been damaged and people have been injured by fires that could easily have been prevented,” said Vernon Fire Chief David Lind. “There are several things we can do to stay safe while cooking and to prevent kitchen fires.”

Here are some safety tips for the kitchen:

Never leave cooking food unattended. Stay in the kitchen while you are frying, grilling or broiling food. 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 have 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 one metre around the stove and areas where hot food or drink is prepared or carried.

To learn more about Fire Prevention Week and cooking fire prevention, visit www.fpw.org.

by Pete McIntyre

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