During Fire Prevention Week (October 8-14), the American Red Cross (redcross.org) reminds everyone that cooking is the leading cause of home fires and issues safety steps to follow to help avoid blazes.
“Cooking brings family and friends together, but this normal, everyday activity can also lead to disaster,” said Jill Orton, Region Executive of the Nebraska-Iowa Red Cross. “In fact, cooking is the leading cause of home fires in the U.S. To help keep your loved ones safe, it’s important to stay in the kitchen while you’re cooking.”
Follow these 10 steps to help stay safe while cooking:
- Never leave cooking food unattended.
- Don’t wear loose clothing or sleeves that dangle while cooking.
- Check cooking food regularly.
- Use a timer as a reminder that the stove or oven is on.
- Keep kids and pets away from the cooking area.
- Keep anything that can catch fire away from the stove, oven or any other appliance in the kitchen that generates heat.
- Clean cooking surfaces on a regular basis to prevent grease buildup.
- Purchase a fire extinguisher to keep in the kitchen.
- Always check the kitchen before going to bed or leaving the home to make sure all stoves, ovens and small appliances are turned off.
- Install a smoke alarm near your kitchen, and use the test button to check it each month.
Download the Red Cross First Aid app at redcross.org/apps for quick, expert advice on what to do in case of an emergency.
Since October 2014, the Red Cross Home Fire Campaign, working with community partners, has saved at least 1,928 lives by educating families about fire safety, helping them create escape plans and installing free smoke alarms in high-risk areas across the country. To learn more about the campaign or how to get involved, visit redcross.org/homefires.