During Fire Prevention Week, the West Virginia State Fire Marshal’s Office reminds residents that “Cooking safety starts with YOU. Pay attention to fire prevention.”
According to the National Fire Protection Association, 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 state fire marshal’s office encourages all residents to embrace the 2023 Fire Prevention Week theme.
The fire marshal’s office wants to share these key home fire escape planning tips:
- Watch what a person heats. Always keep a close eye on what one is cooking. Set a timer to remind a person that one is 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 (1 meter) around the stove or grill and anywhere else hot food or drink is prepared or carried.
For more information about Fire Prevention Week and fire prevention in general, visit fpw.org and sparky.org.
