Lloydminster Fire Department and the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) will be educating residents and sharing tips regarding kitchen safety.
This year’s theme for Fire Prevention Week, which runs from October 4 to the 10th, is “Serve Up Fire Safety in the Kitchen.” According to the NFPA, cooking is the leading cause of home fires and home fire injuries in the country and is preventable.
Fire Chief Leigh Sawicki says more people are staying at home due to the pandemic and encourages residents to practice safe cooking.
“In a fire, mere seconds can mean the difference between a safe escape and a tragedy. It is crucial for every community member, young or old, to understand how to stay safe in case of a fire.”
Safety tips on how to avoid cooking fires include:
- Never leave cooking food unattended and stay in the kitchen when frying, grilling or broiling food. If a person needs to leave, even for a short time, they should turn off the stove.
- Check on foods regularly if they are simmering, baking, roasting or boiling and use a timer as a reminder.
- Keep an oven mitt or pan lid nearby when cooking in case of a fire. If a grease fire starts, place a lid over the pan to smother the flame then turn off the burner and leave the pan covered until it is completely cool.
- Ensure children are at least one metre away from the stove or areas where hot foods are prepared or carried.
- Stay alert and avoid distractions while cooking.
Due to the pandemic, there won’t be an open house at Station No. 2 this year and the fire department will be sharing messages and activities about fire and kitchen safety through the city’s social media channels.
The NFPA has been the official sponsor of Fire Prevention Week for more than 90 years.
