The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) has sponsored the public observance of Fire Prevention Week for nearly 100 years – making it the longest-running public health observance in the U.S. Here are tips to educate your family during Fire Prevention Week.
The Oven and Stovetop
According to the NFPA, cooking fires are the leading cause of home fires and fire injuries.
- If you’re overly sleepy or have consumed excessive alcohol, don’t use the stove or the stovetop. Most cooking fires involve the stove.
- Don’t leave the kitchen while you are boiling, broiling, grilling, or frying food, even for a brief moment. If you must leave, turn off the stove.
- It’s easy to forget food that’s out of sight in your oven – either baking or roasting. Set a timer to remind you that you’re cooking.
- Keep flammable items like wooden utensils, kitchen towels, curtains, or food packaging away from your stovetop.
- Designate a “kid-free zone” of at least 3 feet around the stove and cooking areas where hot food is prepared and removed from the oven.
The Microwave Oven
The leading cause of scald burns is microwave ovens. Yes, that convenient appliance we use to heat up a meal or beverage can also start home fires.
- Your microwave oven should be plugged directly into a wall outlet. Never use an extension cord.
- Microwaves do not heat food evenly. Always stir and test your food’s temperature before eating – and especially before you give it to young children.
- Keep your microwave oven at a safe height and not out of the reach of some users – but be sure to supervise children when they are using the oven.
- Use only containers and dishes that are safe for microwaves – and of course, never use aluminum foil or metal of any kind in a microwave oven.
- Never heat a baby bottle in the microwave due to the nature of the oven’s uneven heating. Uneven heating can lead to hot pockets, which can cause burns.
For the full article visit, nfpa.org
Follow these tips to educate your family during fire prevention week for a safe Halloween.
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