MCFRS News Release

Fire Prevention Week Kicks Off in the Kitchen

This Year’s Message Focused on Preventing Kitchen Fires

Montgomery County, MD - -  Preventing kitchen fires is the focus of National Fire Prevention Week and Montgomery County Fire and Rescue is joining forces with the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) to educate the public on the importance of fire safety and how to prevent cooking fires.

The leading cause of fires in the kitchen is unattended cooking and while there can be “too many cooks in the kitchen” having no cooks in the kitchen can be potentially far more dangerous. According to the latest NFPA research two out of every five home fires begin in the kitchen, more than any other room in the house, and most are due to unattended or distracted cooking.     

 “This year’s theme really emphasizes preventing the most common, and preventable, type of fire in the home,” said Fire Chief Steve Lohr. “Preventing fires is always our top priority and County residents can greatly reduce their risk of cooking fires with a few simple precautions and by anticipating the hazards.”

Montgomery County Fire and Rescue and the NFPA offer the following cooking safety tips:

·         Be alert. If you are sleepy or have consumed alcohol don’t use the stove or stovetop.

·         Keep an eye on what you fry. Stay in the kitchen while you are frying, grilling or  broiling  food. If you leave the kitchen for even a short period of time, turn off               the stove.

·         When you cook, wear clothing with tight-fitting sleeves.

·         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.　

·         Keep anything that can catch fire – oven mitts, wooden utensils, food packaging, towels  or curtains – away from your stovetop.

·         Have a "kid-free zone" of at least 3 feet around the stove and areas where hot food or drink is prepared or carried.

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