Georgina Fire and Rescue Services is teaming up with Co-operators, the Council of Canadian Fire Marshals and Fire Commissioners, and the National Fire Protection Association® (NFPA®) to promote this year’s Fire Prevention Week campaign – Cooking safety starts with YOU. Pay attention to fire preventionTM. The campaign, which takes place Oct. 8 to 14, works to educate everyone about simple but important actions they can take when cooking to keep themselves and those around them safe.
“Year after year, cooking remains the leading cause of home fires by far. This tells us that there is still much work to do when it comes to better educating the public about ways to stay safe when cooking. Cooking safety starts with you,” said Fire Chief Ron Jenkins. “A cooking fire can grow quickly. I have seen many homes damaged and people injured by fires that could easily have been prevented.”
Georgina Fire and Rescue Services and local Co-operators encourage all residents to actively support this year’s Fire Prevention Week campaign by implementing fire prevention measures with all members of their households. Co-operators has donated a Fire Prevention Week kit to Georgina Fire and Rescue Services. The kit includes activities and information for children and adults, providing age-appropriate messages about home fire safety and prevention.
Georgina Fire and Rescue Services offers these key safety tips to help reduce the risk of a cooking fire.
- Watch what you heat. Always keep a close eye on what you are cooking. Set a timer to remind you that you are cooking.
- Turn pot handles toward the back of the stove. Always keep a lid nearby when cooking. If a small grease fire starts, slide the lid over the pan and turn off the burner.
- Have a “kid- and pet-free zone” of at least three feet (one metre) around the stove or grill and anywhere else hot food or drink is prepared or carried.
Georgina Fire and Rescue Services is hosting its annual Open House at the Sutton Fire Hall, 37 Snooks Rd., on Sept. 23 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in support of Fire Prevention Week. The event will include a free barbecue, interactive stations and various community partners. Visit georgina.ca/fire for more information.