Adam Prudhomme
Editor
Fire Prevention Week kicks off this Sunday and Greater Napanee Emergency Services fire department is taking this time to remind residents to be careful in the kitchen.
That message is on par with this year’s theme, which was inspired by an increase of home fires due to more people cooking at home.
“This year’s theme is Serve Up Fire Safety In The Kitchen, which is quite timely due to recent events with businesses and restaurants being closed, more people staying at home, more people ultimately having to cook at home,” said GNES public fire educator Randy Cook. “In Ontario cooking is the cause of 22 per cent of all home fires. It also accounts for 32 per cent of all injuries in residential fires and accounts for 11 per cent of fatalities in home fires.”
More people opting to cook rather than order take-out has led to a direct increase in the number fires.
“Between Jan. 1 and May 4 in Ontario, there have been 51 fire deaths, which is up 65 per cent over the same period last year,” said Cook.
Kitchen safety tips include never leave cooking unattended, keep a one metre zone around cooking appliances free of combustibles, keep all pot handles turned away from the edge of the stove, turn off the stove when not in the kitchen and to never get distracted by people, pets, electronics or alcohol when cooking.
Cook says to always keep a proper fitting lid near all pots and pans and to cover any fire on the stove. Never pour water on a grease fire as it’ll only make it worse.
As the cooler weather arrives it’s also a good time to clean out any chimneys and heater ducts and to ensure all vents are unblocked.
“As November approaches we’re also asking that you check, test and clean any smoke or carbon monoxide alarms you may have in your home and remember a smoke alarm is needed on each level of your home and outside the bedroom and a carbon monoxide alarm is required near the bedroom,” added Cook. A helpful tip is to check all alarms whenever the clocks go back. Along with checking the batteries, it’s also a good time to check the date the alarm was built. Anything older than 10 years old must be replaced.
Fire Prevention Week, which runs Oct. 4-10 this year, was first established in 1925. It’s held every year in which the week Oct. 9 falls to acknowledge the Great Chicago Fire of 1871.