‘Serve Up Fire Safety in the Kitchen’ is the theme for National Fire Prevention Week in 2020.

Submitted by Fire Inspector Marsha McCurdy Adell

The West Hartford Fire Department is excited to announce the recognition of Fire Prevention Week, Oct. 4-10, 2020.

The year’s theme is “Serve Up Fire Safety in the Kitchen!” and the campaign focuses on kitchen fire safety and reminds us that it’s everyone responsibility to be fire safe, especially at home.

Cooking is the leading cause of home fires and home fire injuries. With many people spending more time at home, eating in, and experimenting with new recipes and techniques, it’s important to keep in mind simple safety actions to take regardless of the delicious meal you’re preparing.

• Always keep a lid nearby when cooking. If a small grease fire starts, slide the lid over the pan and turn off the burner. Leave the pan covered until it’s cool.
• Stay in the kitchen when you are frying, boiling, grilling, or broiling food.
• If you are simmering, baking, or roasting food, check it regularly and stay in the home.
• Keep anything that can catch fire away from your stovetop. That includes pizza boxes and other food containers not intended for stovetops.
• Make sure everyone in the home understands the sound of the smoke alarm and knows how to respond.

If there while cooking there is smoke that becomes overwhelming or a fire that becomes out of control, please do not hesitate to call 9-1-1.

Fire spread can be rapid, so please find a safe place to wait for our arrival. We will respond quickly, with the right equipment and skill to extinguish the fire to protect you. We want you to enjoy your cooking experiences in your home without incident, but we be there when you need our services.

Thank you for helping us in our mission to keep our community safe through fire prevention.

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