By: North Charleston Fire Department
The North Charleston 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.
The North Charleston Fire Department has developed virtual learning resources including virtual classrooms by age group, available on the North Charleston website. NCFD is also hosting virtual events in support of this year's Fire Prevention Week campaign, “Serve Up Fire Safety in the Kitchen!”.
Two Virtual Home Fire Safety Presentations are available to the public and will be hosted on: Tuesday, October 6th at 2 pm, and Thursday, October 8th at 10 am. Register for an event through the North Charleston Fire Department Facebook page.
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 Fire Chief Greg Bulanow. “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. I have seen many homes damaged and people injured by fires that could easily have been prevented.”
North Charleston Fire Department wants you to be #NCFDSafe.
- 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
- 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
For additional fire safety information, follow North Charleston Fire Department on the NorthCharleston.org website, Facebook, Twitter, NextDoor, and Instagram.
