MCCONNELL AIR FORCE BASE, Kan. -- MCCONNELL AIR FORCE BASE, Kan. -- The McConnell Air Force Base Fire Department is teaming up with the National Fire Protection Association, to promote this year’s Fire Prevention Week campaign, “Serve Up Fire Safety in the Kitchen!”
The campaign works to educate the public about simple 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 related injuries in the United States. Almost half of reported home fires started in the kitchen, and two-thirds of home cooking fires start with the ignition of food or other cooking materials.
“We know cooking fires can be prevented,” said Lorraine Carli, NFPAs outreach and advocacy vice-president. “Staying in the kitchen, using a timer and avoiding distractions such as electronics or TV, are steps everyone can take to keep families safe in their homes.”
The McConnell AFB Fire Department encourages all residents to embrace the 2020 Fire Prevention Week theme.
“The most important step you should take before making a meal is to ‘Serve Up Fire Safety in the Kitchen!’” said Master Sgt. James Betts, 22nd Civil Engineer Squadron assistant fire prevention chief. “A cooking fire can grow quickly. I have seen many homes damaged and people injured by fires that could easily have been prevented.”
McConnell AFB Fire Department shares these safety tips to keep you from having a cooking fire.
• 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.
• When simmering, baking, roasting or boiling food and check it regularly. Remain in the home while food is cooking and use a timer to remind you that you’re cooking.
• Be alert when cooking. Do not cook 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 are prepared or carried.
The McConnell AFB Fire Department is hosting a series of events in support of this year’s Fire Prevention Week campaign, including a base fire muster on Oct. 8 and a parade through base housing on Oct. 10.
To find more info about Fire Prevention Week programs and activities at McConnell AFB, please contact the Fire Department at 759-3902. For more general information about Fire Prevention Week and cooking fire prevention, visit www.nfpa.org/fpw.