As Fire Prevention Week approaches, the South Jordan Fire Department reminds residents, "Cooking safety starts with YOU!"
The South Jordan Fire Department is teaming up with the National Fire Protection Association® (NFPA®)—the official sponsor of Fire Prevention Week in the United States. This year's Fire Prevention Week is October 8 – 14, 2023.
This year’s focus is to educate the public on reducing fire risk when cooking at home. According to the NFPA, cooking is the leading cause of residential fires, with nearly half of all home fires involving cooking equipment. We want our residents to understand that cooking is also the leading cause of home fire injuries.
Please follow these essential safety tips when cooking in the home:
- Always keep a close eye on what you're cooking. Set a timer for foods with longer cooking times, such as those simmering or baking, to help monitor them carefully and to remind you that food is being cooked. It’s easy to get distracted, so set a reminder!
- Clear the cooking area of combustible items and keep anything that can burn, such as dish towels, oven mitts, food packaging, and paper towels, away from cooking surfaces.
- Turn pot handles toward the back of the stove so they don’t get bumped or can’t be grabbed by children. Serious injuries can occur from spilling, bumping, or grabbing hot pots and pans.
- Keep a lid or non-combustible cover nearby when cooking. If a small grease fire starts, slide the lid or cover over the pan and turn off the burner to allow the pan to cool. NEVER USE WATER!
- Create a "kid and pet-free zone" of at least three feet (one meter) around the cooking area and wherever hot food is prepared or carried. Be especially careful when opening oven doors or when cooking on front burners.
- If a fire starts in the oven, keep the door closed and turn off the heat. Allow the oven to cool before opening the door. Opening the door can introduce oxygen and cause the fire to increase in size or reignite if hot. If the fire persists, leave the oven door closed and call 911. Keep ovens clean to prevent fires from occurring.
For additional information about Fire Prevention Week, including other fire prevention resources, visit www.fpw.org.