As Fire Prevention Week Approaches, The City of Utica Fire Department Reminds Residents:

“Serve Up Fire Safety in the Kitchen!

The City of Utica Fire Department (UFD) is partnering with the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), the official sponsor of Fire Prevention Week, to promote this year’s Fire Prevention Week campaign, “Serve Up Fire Safety in the Kitchen!”

The campaign works to educate everyone about basic but important actions they can take to keep themselves and those around them safe. 

According to NFPA, cooking is the leading cause of home fires and home fire injuries in the United States.   Almost half (44%) of reported home fires originate in the kitchen and two-thirds (66%) of home cooking fires start with the ignition of food or other cooking materials.

The UFD encourages all residents to embrace the 2020 Fire Prevention Week theme.

The UFD wants to share the following safety tips to help prevent cooking fires;

• 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.

• You have to be alert when cooking. You won’t be alert if you are sleepy, have taken medicine or drugs, or consumed alcohol that makes you drowsy.

• 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.

In addition, the UFD is hosting a video series in support of this year’s campaign.  To find out more about Fire Prevention Week programs and activities in the City of Utica, please contact the UFD’s website at www.cityofutica.com/departments/fire.   

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