Cooking safety starts with YOU. Pay attention to fire prevention. This national 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 National Fire Protection Association, cooking is the leading cause of home fires and home fire injuries in the United States. “Year after year, cooking remains the leading cause of home fires by far, accounting for half (49 percent) of all U.S. home fires,” said Lorraine Carli, vice president of outreach and advocacy at NFPA. “These numbers tell us that there is still much work to do when it comes to better educating the public about ways to stay safe when cooking.”
Town of Granby Fire Marshal Brian Long encourages all residents to embrace the theme, Cooking safety starts with YOU. “A cooking fire can grow quickly,” he said. “I have seen many homes damaged and people injured by fires that could easily have been prevented.”
Long shared 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 three feet around the stove or grill and anywhere else hot food or drink is prepared or carried.
To find out more about cooking safety, visit fpw.org and, for fire safety fun for kids, visit sparky.org
Smoke alarms need to be in every bedroom, in the hall outside of the sleeping areas and on every level of the home. The Granby Fire Marshal’s Office offers inspection of Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarms for one- and two-family homes in our town. There is no cost or obligation involved. There is also a limited supply of free replacement smoke alarms available to homeowners. Help us keep you and your family safe. Contact us today at 860-844-5321 or firemarshal@granby-ct.gov
Submitted by Town of Granby Fire Marshal’s Office and Lost Acres Fire Department