2023 FIRE PREVENTION WEEK: COOKING SAFETY STARTS WITH YOU
(Cochrane, AB) – Cochrane Fire Services in partnership with the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) is teaming up for Fire Prevention Week 2023. This year’s campaign, “Cooking safety starts with YOU,” runs from October 9-15, and provides an opportunity to educate Cochranites about essential actions for cooking safely.
According to NFPA, cooking is the leading cause of home fires and home fire injuries. Unattended cooking is the leading cause of cooking fires and deaths.
“A cooking fire possesses the alarming ability to escalate rapidly, often resulting in extensive damage to homes and unfortunate injuries to individuals,” says Chief Polley, Town of Cochrane. “Cooking safety begins with you. Through education, vigilance, and responsible cooking practices you can prevent dangerous cooking fires.”
Cochrane Fire Services is encouraging residents to be mindful when cooking:
- Watch what you heat. Keep a watchful eye and set a timer as a reminder.
- Turn pot handles toward the back of the stove. Keep a lid nearby when cooking. If a small grease fire starts, slide the lid over the pan and turn off the burner.
- Create a “kid- and pet-free zone” of at least 3 feet (1 meter) around the stove or grill and anywhere else hot food or drink is prepared or carried.
Cochrane Fire Services is hosting a series of events to promote fire prevention week, including bookable home fire safety visits and a colouring contest where one lucky family will have the chance to visit the firehall for a personalized tour of Station 151. Residents are also encouraged to follow the Town of Cochrane Instagram and Facebook social media pages for more cooking safety tips throughout the week.
For more information on Fire Prevention Week, visit www.fpw.org or Cochrane.ca/fpw.
