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Wheatland County Promotes Fire Prevention Week

October 5, 2020 in CommunityFire ServicesNews Release

For Immediate Release

WHEATLAND COUNTY, AB (October 5, 2020) – It’s Fire Prevention Week™ and Wheatland County Fire Services reminds residents to “Serve Up Fire Safety in the Kitchen! ™”

Wheatland County Fire Services is teaming up with the National Fire Protection Association® (NFPA®) — the official sponsor of Fire Prevention Week for more than 90 years — 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. 

Cooking is the leading cause of home fires and home fire injuries in Canada. Most reported home fires started in the kitchen, with the ignition of food or other cooking materials.

“We know cooking fires can be prevented,” said Lorraine Carli, vice-president of outreach and advocacy at NFPA. “Staying in the kitchen while cooking, 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!” stated Wheatland County’s Deputy Regional Fire Chief Thomas Jukes. “A cooking fire can grow quickly. I have seen many homes damaged and people injured by fires that could easily have been prevented.”

Wheatland County Fire Services wants to share 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 food. If you must 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 are cooking.
  • You must be alert when cooking. You will not be alert if you are sleepy, have taken medicine or drugs, or have consumed alcohol that makes you drowsy.
  • Always keep an oven mitt and pan lid nearby when you are 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 1 metre around the stove and areas where hot food or drink is prepared or carried.

Wheatland County Fire Services is hosting a Smoke, Fire, Safety Lunch and Learn in support of this year’s Fire Prevention Week campaign, “Serve Up Fire Safety in the Kitchen! ™”, on October 21. Please call 403-934-5335 to register or for more information.

For more general information about Fire Prevention Week and cooking fire prevention, visit https://www.fpw.org.

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