44 per cent of home fires start in the kitchen, says Collingwood Fire Department on eve of Fire Prevention Week
NEWS RELEASE
TOWN OF COLLINGWOOD
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The Town of Collingwood Fire Department is teaming up with the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) — the official sponsor of Fire Prevention Week (October 4-10, 2020) for more than 90 years — to promote this year’s Fire Prevention Week campaign, “Serve Up Fire Safety in the Kitchen!. The campaign educates everyone about simple but important actions they can take to keep themselves and those around them safe.
Cooking in the home is among the leading cause of home fires and home fire injuries in Canada. Almost half (44 per cent) of reported home fires started in the kitchen. Two-thirds (66 per cent) of home cooking fires start with the ignition of food or other cooking materials.
The Town of Collingwood Fire Department encourages all residents to embrace the 2020 Fire Prevention Week theme. “The most important step you should take before making a meal is to “Serve Up Fire Safety in the Kitchen!™”, said Carl Prochilo, Fire Prevention Officer. “A cooking fire can grow quickly. I have seen many homes damaged and people injured by fires that could easily have been prevented.”
The Collingwood Fire Department offers the following safety tips to help prevent 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 three (3) feet around the stove and areas where hot food or drink is prepared or carried.
The Town of Collingwood Fire Department is hosting a series of events in support of this year’s Fire Prevention Week campaign, “Serve Up Fire Safety in the Kitchen!”, including Fire Drills with all Collingwood schools, which will be conducted throughout the week following COVID-19 protocol. Window display at Town Hall from Oct. 2 – 12, 2020. Fire Prevention week will also be promoted on the LED sign at the Fire Department.
To find out more about Fire Prevention Week programs and activities in the Town of Collingwood, please contact the Collingwood Fire Department at 705-445-3920.
For more general information about Fire Prevention Week and cooking fire prevention, visit www.fpw.org.
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