Champaign Fire Department Reminds the Community To “Serve Up Fire Safety in the Kitchen!”

Picture of a stove and microwave in a kitchenThere’s nothing like spending time in the kitchen cooking a delicious meal for family and friends. However, did you know cooking is the leading cause of home fires and home fire injuries? Before you serve up that meal, take time to serve up fire safety in the
kitchen.

The National Fire Protection Association’s 2020 Fire Prevention Week Campaign, “Serve Up Fire Safety in the Kitchen!” works to educate everyone about the actions they can take to keep themselves, and those around them, safe in the kitchen. Fire Prevention Week is observed each year during the week of October 9th in commemoration of the Great Chicago Fire, which began on October 8, 1871.

 

Stay in the kitchen when you are frying, boiling, grilling, or broiling food.
Keep anything that can catch fire 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.

Remember, when the smoke alarm sounds, get out and stay out. If you must escape
through smoke, stay low to the ground. Try to close doors behind you as you leave, to
help slow the spread of smoke and fire, and help others exit.