Newsgram

The National Fire Protection Association is encouraging all residents to embrace the 2020 Fire Prevention Week theme, "Serve Up Fire Safety in the Kitchen!" Cooking is the leading cause of home fires and home injuries. Two of every five home fires start in the kitchen with 31% of these fires resulting from unattended cooking. More than half of reported non-fatal home cooking fire injuries occurred when the victims tried to fight the fire themselves. There are simple but important actions you can take to keep yourself and those around you safe in the kitchen.

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.
• 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 3 feet around the stove and areas where hot food or drink is prepared or carried.

Let this year's theme serve as a reminder to stay alert and use caution when cooking to reduce the risk of kitchen fires.

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