The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) has announced the theme for this year’s Fire Prevention Week, taking place October 6-12. The theme, “Prevent Kitchen Fires,” will address the dangers of kitchen fires, encourage greater care when cooking and promote safe kitchen habits.
“On average, firefighters respond to more than 400 kitchen fires every day” says Lorraine Carli, vice president of communications for NFPA. “By making kitchen fire safety the theme for 2013 Fire Prevention Week, we can raise the awareness of the leading cause of fires, unattended cooking, and provide life saving safety tips to improve the safety of everyone in the home.”
The 2013 Fire Prevention Week campaign materials, available at this week’s Fire Department Instructors Conference (FDIC), feature Sparky the Fire Dog, including Sparky’s Wish List, an online registry where fire departments can request educational materials and individuals or businesses can purchase items.
NFPA is also providing these kitchen safety tips for homeowners:
- • When you fry, grill, or broil food, stay in the kitchen.
- • Maintain a kid- and pet-free zone at least 3 feet away from the stove.
- • Turn pot handles away from the stove’s edge.
- • Keep a lid and oven mitt nearby when you’re cooking to use in case of a grease fire. If you have a grease fire, slide a lid over the pan. Turn off the burner and leave the pan covered until it is completely cool.
For more information and safety tips, visit www.firepreventionweek.org.