Fire Prevention Week

Source: FirePreventionWeek.org

Cooking fires are the number one cause of home fires and home fire injuries. The good news? You can prevent most cooking fires and burns.
This year’s Fire Prevention Week campaign - Cooking safety starts with YOU. Pay attention to fire prevention - works to educate everyone about simple but important actions they can take to keep themselves and those around them safe when cooking.

Some cooking safety tips:

  • 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.
  • Watch what you heat. Set a timer to remind you that you are cooking.
  • Have a "kid-free zone" of at least 3 feet around the stove and areas where hot food or drink is prepared or carried.

VIDEO: NFPA Kids - I Spy Cooking Safety

"Cook with caution"

  • Be on alert! If you are sleepy or have consumed alcohol, don't use the stove or stovetop.
  • Stay in the kitchen while you are frying, boiling, grilling or broiling food. If you leave the kitchen for even a short period of time, turn off the stove.
  • If you are simmering, baking or roasting food, check it regularly, remain in the home while food is cooking, and use a timer to remind you that you are cooking.
  • Keep anything that can catch fire - oven mitts, wooden utensils, food packaging, towels or curtains - away from your stovetop.

If you have a small (grease) cooking fire and decide to fight the fire...

  •  On the stovetop, smother the flames by sliding a lid over the pan and turning off the burner. Leave the pan covered until it is completely cooled.
  • For an oven fire, turn off the heat and keep the door closed.
  • CALL the fire department from outside your home.

If you have any doubt about fighting a small fire...

  • Just get out! When you leave, close the door behind you to help contain the fire.
  • Call 911 or the local emergency number from outside the home


Go to Sparky.org for safety games, videos and other activities from NFPA!

Promotional graphic for Fire Prevention Week 2022 - Fire Won't Wait. Plan Your Escape