Next week the Manhattan 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,” which works to educate the public about preventing kitchen and cooking fires.
NFPA statistics show that cooking is the leading cause of home fires and fire injuries across the United States. The same holds true here in Manhattan, where the department responds to an average of 25 cooking fires a year causing more than $60,000 in damage annually.
“A cooking fire can grow quickly. I have seen many homes damaged and people injured by fires that could easily have been prevented,” said Fire Marshal Jake Powell. “There are simple things you can do to avoid having a kitchen fire or control it quickly if one does start.”
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.
The Manhattan Fire Department will not be hosting our open house this year due to COVID-19 concerns. Since we cannot meet in person, we will be posting videos and photos in the next couple of weeks on social media about the department and fire prevention so be sure and check them out.