State Fire Marshal Reminds Residents “Serve Up Fire Safety in the Kitchen”

STATEWIDE, MD – Next week, the Office of the State Fire Marshal is teaming up with the National Fire Protection Association® (NFPA®) — the official sponsor of Fire Prevention Week for more than 90 years —to promote this year’s Fire Prevention Week campaign, “Serve Up Fire Safety in the Kitchen!” The campaign works to educate everyone about simple but important actions they can take to keep themselves and those around them safe. Fire Prevention Week will be held between October 4th and 10th in 2020.

According to NFPA, cooking is the leading cause of home fires and home fire injuries in the United States. Almost half (44%) of reported home fires started in the kitchen. Two-thirds (66%) of home cooking fires start with the ignition of food or other cooking materials.

“We know cooking fires can be prevented,” said Lorraine Carli, NFPA’s vice-president of outreach and advocacy. “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.”

State Fire Marshal Brian S. Geraci encourages all residents to embrace the 2020 Fire Prevention Week theme.

The Office of the State Fire Marshal wants to share 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.

Due to the COVID, most annual Fire Prevention Week events across the state will not be held this year. The Office of the State Fire Marshal is planning on releasing a series of fire safety tips and videos on its social media platforms on how individuals and families can remain fire safe.

To find out more if Fire Prevention Week programs and activities will be held in your town, please contact your local fire department. For more general information about Fire Prevention Week and cooking fire prevention, visit www.fpw.org.

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~ MD State Fire Marshal