The City of Utica Fire Department (UFD) is partnering with the National Fire Protection
Association (NFPA), the official sponsor of Fire Prevention Week, to promote this year’s
Fire Prevention Week campaign, “Serve Up Fire Safety in the Kitchen!”
The campaign works to educate everyone about basic but important actions they can take
to keep themselves and those around them safe.
According to NFPA, cooking is the leading cause of home fires and home fire injuries in
the United States. Almost half (44%) of reported home fires originate in the kitchen and
two-thirds (66%) of home cooking fires start with the ignition of food or other cooking
materials.
The UFD encourages all residents to embrace the 2020 Fire Prevention Week theme.
Utica Fire Captain Joe Puleo stated, “The most important step everyone should take
before making a meal is to observe “Fire Safety in the Kitchen” guidelines. A cooking
fire can grow quickly and many homes have been damaged and people have been injured
by fires that could have easily been prevented.”
The UFD wants to share the following 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, 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.
Above and beyond the call…
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 3 feet around the stove and areas where hot food
or drink is prepared or carried.
In addition, the UFD is hosting a video series in support of this year’s campaign. To find
out more about Fire Prevention Week programs and activities in the City of Utica, please
contact the UFD’s website at http://www.cityofutica.com/departments/fire.
For more general information about Fire Prevention Week and cooking fire prevention,
please visit http://www.fpw.org
As Fire Prevention Week Approaches, The City of Utica Fire Department Reminds Residents: “Serve Up Fire Safety in the Kitchen!
