Cumberland County Emergency Services is teaming up with the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) for National Fire Prevention Week. This year’s campaign which runs from Oct. 4-10 is “Serve Up Fire in the Kitchen!”
The campaign works to educate everyone about simple but important actions they can take to keep themselves and those around them safe.
According to the NFPA, cooking is the leading cause of home fires and home fire injuries in the United States. Forty-four percent of reported home fires started in the kitchen. Two-thirds (66%) of home cooking fires start with the ignition of food or other materials.
“Due to COVID-19, community outreach has changed from our normal operations of face-to-face education to more of a virtual setting,” Fire Marshal Kevin Lowther said. “Citizens are encouraged to visit NFPA.org and click on the public education link where they can find many resources to include training videos, handouts, and escape plan templates to educate themselves of various fire safety topics. Citizens are also encouraged to reach out to their local fire departments for additional resources that may be available within the community.”
Safety Tips
- 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 make 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 feet around the stove and areas where hot food or drink is prepared or carried.
Cumberland Alerts
Cumberland County residents are encouraged to sign up for Cumberland Alerts, a free emergency notification system that sends severe weather, evacuation or protective action information by text, phone or email. Go to the County’s website at co.cumberland.nc.us and click on the Cumberland Alerts icon to sign up or call 910-321-6736.