Sturgeon County is partnering with the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) to recognize Fire Prevention Week from October 8 to 14.
This year’s theme is “Cooking safety starts with YOU. Pay attention to fire prevention.” It focuses on simple and important actions you can take to keep yourself and those around you safe when cooking.
According to NFPA, cooking is the leading cause of home fires and home fire injuries in North America, and unattended cooking is the leading cause of cooking fires and deaths.
Sturgeon County encourages all residents to embrace the 2023 Fire Prevention Week theme and learn what you can do to be safe when cooking.
“Taking a few minutes to review cooking safety tips will keep you and your family safe, and it may even save your home,” said Fire Chief Pat Mahoney. “A cooking fire can grow quickly. I have seen many homes damaged and people injured by fires that could easily have been prevented.”
Sturgeon County Emergency Services offers these key safety tips to help reduce the risk of a cooking fire.
- Stay in the kitchen while you are frying, boiling, grilling or broiling food. If you have to leave the kitchen, turn off the stove.
- Always keep a close eye on what you are cooking, and 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 three feet (one metre) around the stove or grill and anywhere else hot food or drink is prepared or carried.
Learn more about cooking safety.
Sturgeon County Emergency Services is making several visits to schools with Sturgeon Public Schools to educate students about cooking safety.
To find out more about Fire Prevention Week activities in Sturgeon County, contact Emergency Services at 780-939-8400.
