Vaughan Fire and Rescue Service Provides Kitchen Safety Tips for Fire Prevention Week
October 16, 2013
Vaughan Fire and Rescue Service, in collaboration with the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), is spreading the word about kitchen safety for Fire Prevention Week, which runs from Oct. 6 to 12.
The annual public safety and education campaign is aimed at raising awareness in the community about fire safety and prevention. This year’s theme “prevent kitchen fires” is focused on encouraging residents to take extra precautions when cooking. Kitchen fires are the number one cause of residential fires in Ontario.
Vaughan Fire and Rescue Service kicked off Fire Prevention Week on Oct. 6 with a community event at the North Thornhill Community Centre. Activities included fire demonstrations, home escape plan tutorials, an obstacle course and a meet-and-greet with Sparky the fire dog.
The Office of the Fire Marshal offers some kitchen tips to help you cook safely:
• Be a “potwatcher”: It's easy to become distracted so stay in the kitchen when cooking, especially if using oil or high temperatures. If you must leave, turn off the stove.
• Handy, but not too handy: Kitchen fires often occur because items are kept too close to the stove. Keep items such as cooking utensils, dishcloths, paper towels and pot holders a safe distance from the stove.
• Kid-proof: Make sure an adult is present with young children in the kitchen. Turn pot handles inward and make sure electrical cords are not dangling from countertops where they could be pulled over.
• Dress it up: Loose-fitting clothing can come into contact with the burners and catch fire. Wear tight sleeves or roll them up when cooking. If your clothing catches fire, stop, drop to the ground and roll.
• Be in the know: Minor burns can be treated by running cool water over the wound for three to five minutes. If the burn is severe, seek medical attention.
• Sip and savour: Many people enjoy having a drink when preparing a meal with family and friends. It's great to have a taste, but save enjoying wine, beer or spirits for the meal. Many fatal fires are caused by people cooking when they are impaired. Lend a helping hand or keep a close eye on anyone who is impaired and attempts to cook.
For more information about Fire Prevention Week, contact Vaughan Fire and Rescue Service at 905-832-8531.
The annual public safety and education campaign is aimed at raising awareness in the community about fire safety and prevention. This year’s theme “prevent kitchen fires” is focused on encouraging residents to take extra precautions when cooking. Kitchen fires are the number one cause of residential fires in Ontario.
Vaughan Fire and Rescue Service kicked off Fire Prevention Week on Oct. 6 with a community event at the North Thornhill Community Centre. Activities included fire demonstrations, home escape plan tutorials, an obstacle course and a meet-and-greet with Sparky the fire dog.
The Office of the Fire Marshal offers some kitchen tips to help you cook safely:
• Be a “potwatcher”: It's easy to become distracted so stay in the kitchen when cooking, especially if using oil or high temperatures. If you must leave, turn off the stove.
• Handy, but not too handy: Kitchen fires often occur because items are kept too close to the stove. Keep items such as cooking utensils, dishcloths, paper towels and pot holders a safe distance from the stove.
• Kid-proof: Make sure an adult is present with young children in the kitchen. Turn pot handles inward and make sure electrical cords are not dangling from countertops where they could be pulled over.
• Dress it up: Loose-fitting clothing can come into contact with the burners and catch fire. Wear tight sleeves or roll them up when cooking. If your clothing catches fire, stop, drop to the ground and roll.
• Be in the know: Minor burns can be treated by running cool water over the wound for three to five minutes. If the burn is severe, seek medical attention.
• Sip and savour: Many people enjoy having a drink when preparing a meal with family and friends. It's great to have a taste, but save enjoying wine, beer or spirits for the meal. Many fatal fires are caused by people cooking when they are impaired. Lend a helping hand or keep a close eye on anyone who is impaired and attempts to cook.
For more information about Fire Prevention Week, contact Vaughan Fire and Rescue Service at 905-832-8531.