KERN COUNTY, Calif. — The Kern County Fire Department is teaming up with the National Fire Protection Association, the official sponsor of Fire Prevention Week for more than 90 years, to promote this year’s Fire Prevention Week campaign.
This campaign works to educate everyone about simple but important actions they can take to keep themselves and those around them safe.
According to the NFPA, cooking is the leading cause of home fires.
According to the National Fire Protection Association, cooking is the leading cause of home fires in the United States.
The fire department recommends these tips for avoiding 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.
- 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're cooking.
- You have to be alert when cooking. You won't be alert 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 three feet around the stove and areas where hot food or drink is prepared or carried.
To find out more about Fire Prevention Week programs and activities, follow Kern County Fire Department social media, visitkerncountyfire.org, or fpw.org.
