Fire Prevention Week is Oct. 8-18 and this year’s’ theme is “Cooking Safety Starts With YOU.” Pay attention to fire prevention, said Fire Chief John Wynn, who went on to say cooking fires are the leading cause of home fires. Chief Wynn, offered the following tips to keep families safer when cooking in the kitchen.
1. Turn pot handles toward the back of the stove. Always keep a lid nearby when cooking. If a small grease fire starts, slide the lid over the pan and turn off the burner.
2. Watch what you heat. Set a timer to remind you that you are cooking.
3. Have a “kid free zone” of at least 3 feet, or 1 meter, around the stove and areas where hot food or drink is prepared or carried.