The Milton Fire Department is getting ready for Fire Prevention Week.
The MFD has partnered with the National Fire Protection Association to promote this year’s campaign, “Serve Up Fire Safety in the Kitchen!” The goal is to teach people about simple life saving actions to help prevent fires in the kitchen.
According to data provided by the NFPA, the leading cause of kitchen fires is unattended cooking. The MFD says it’s especially important to educate the public about fire safety in the kitchen, since more people are cooking at home due to COVID-19.
They add that they want to encourage all residents to embrace the 2020 Fire Prevention Week theme.
“We know that cooking happens in homes every day and it must be done responsibly and safely to avoid accidents,” says Peter Gatto, Fire Chief of the Milton Fire Department. “Always stay in the kitchen when cooking and keep your eyes on the cooking appliances you’re using. Cooking fires spread quickly, so it’s important to always be paying close attention to prevent a small fire from growing.”
The Milton Fire Department wants to share safety tips to help prevent cooking fires:
- Never leave cooking food unattended. Stay in the kitchen while you are frying, grilling or broiling. If you have to leave, turn the stove off.
- Use a timer. If you are simmering, baking, roasting, or boiling food, check it regularly and use a timer to remind you that you’re cooking.
- Stay alert when cooking. Avoid cooking when you are sleepy, have taken medicine or consumed drugs and alcohol.
- Always keep an oven mitt and pan lid nearby. 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’. Keep children at least 3 feet away from the stove and areas where hot food or drink is prepared or carried.
Fire Prevention Week runs from October 4th to the 10th.
The Milton Fire Department says they typically hold an Open House to celebrate Fire Prevention Week. This year’s event has been cancelled due to COVID-19. Instead, take part in an online campaign. The Fire Department is hosting a digital Fire Prevention Week campaign and will be conducting outreach to educate the community about cooking safety.
To find out more about Fire Prevention Week programs and activities, click here. For more general information about Fire Prevention Week and cooking fire prevention, click here. Follow the Milton Fire Department on their new Twitter page to participate digitally.
