Bismarck, ND - The Bismarck Fire Department is teaming up with the National Fire Protection Association to promote this year’s Fire Prevention Week campaign, “Cooking safety starts with YOU. Pay attention to fire prevention.” The campaign works to educate everyone about simple but important actions they can take when cooking to keep themselves and those around them safe.
According to the NFPA, cooking is the leading cause of home fires and home fire injuries in the United States. Unattended cooking is the leading cause of cooking fires and deaths.
The Bismarck Fire Department encourages all residents to embrace the 2023 Fire Prevention Week theme, “Cooking safety start with YOU.”. A cooking fire can grow and get out of control quickly. Many homes have been damaged and people injured by fires that could easily have been prevented.
The Bismarck Fire Department 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 3 feet around the stove or grill and anywhere else hot food or drink is prepared or carried.
For more information about Fire Prevention Week and cooking safety, the Bismarck Fire Department’s website at https://www.bismarcknd.gov/487/Prevention-and-Public-Education , or visit www.fpw.org. For fire safety fun for kids, visit sparky.org.