Fire Prevention Week: Prevent Kitchen Fires
By Ebonie Fleming, Campus Police, West Campus
Sunday, October 6th, 2013 begins the observation of National Fire Prevention week. Fire prevention week is a week-long event that was designed to ensure the public stays informed about the importance of fire prevention.
The week-long event revolves around the anniversary of the Great Chicago Fire which happened on October 8-9, 1871 and claimed over 250 lives, with countless others becoming homeless. Over the last 40 years, the theme for this week of observance changes.
This year’s theme is: Prevent Kitchen Fires.
On average, seven people die per day in the U.S. from home fires. Two out of every five home fires start in the kitchen. Unattended cooking was a factor in over one-third of these fires.
What can you do to help prevent the start of a kitchen fire? Below is a list of 5 tips* for kitchen fire prevention (range and microwave) that may help save yourself or someone else’s.
1) Make sure all smoking alarms as well as carbon monoxide detectors are working properly. This includes battery operated as well as electrical mounted. According to the National Fire Protection Association, working smoke alarms cut the risk of dying in a home fire in half.
2) Keep all things that may be flammable away from stove top. Such things may include mitts, food packages, curtains, wood utensils, paper towels.
3) Keep a lid nearby while cooking to contain any small grease fires.
4) DO NOT leave food frying, broiling, boiling or grilling unattended. Use timer for a reminder.
5) For children, have a “kid-free zone” at least 3 feet around the stove and where hot foods are being prepared.
*All information was retrieved from the National Fire Protection Agency website.
- Tags: campus security, fire, Fire Prevention Week, safety, Tri-C, tri-c west, West
