As Fire Prevention Week™ approaches, Hickory Fire Department reminds residents:

HICKORY, NC (October 5, 2020) —  The Hickory Fire Department is teaming up with the National Fire Protection Association® (NFPA®) to promote this year’s Fire Prevention Week campaign, ““Serve Up Fire Safety 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.

“Serve Up Fire Safety in the Kitchen!™

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 started in the kitchen. Two-thirds (66%) of home cooking fires start with the ignition of food or other cooking materials.  “We know cooking fires can be prevented,” said Lorraine Carli, NFPA’s vice-president of outreach and advocacy. “Staying in the kitchen, using a timer, and avoiding distractions such as electronics or TV are steps everyone can take to keep families safe in their homes.”

“The most important step you should take before making a meal is to “Serve Up Fire Safety in the Kitchen!” said Fire Chief Matt Hutchinson. “A cooking fire can grow quickly. I have seen many homes damaged and people injured by fires that could easily have been prevented.”

Hickory Fire Department encourages all residents to embrace the 2020 Fire Prevention Week them and shares these safety tips to keep you from having a cooking fire.

• 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.
• 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.

To find out more about Fire Prevention Week programs and activities contact the Hickory Fire Department at (828) 323-7521.  For more general information about Fire Prevention Week and home escape planning, visit www.fpw.org.