Fire Prevention Week 2020 Coming Up

Practice Fire Safety in the Kitchen During Fire Prevention Week 2020

Essex Fire and Rescue Services is encouraging local residents and their families to practice kitchen fire safety for Fire Prevention Week 2020 (October 4 to 10).

“Cooking fires continue to be a leading cause of residential fires in our community and province,” said Essex Fire & Rescue Services Chief Rick Arnel “We cook in our homes every day, and is your responsibility to protect yourself and your family from fire. Always remain alert and stay in the kitchen while cooking.”

This year’s theme, “Serve Up Fire Safety in the Kitchen” highlights the simple but important actions which residents can take to keep themselves, and those around them, safe in the kitchen.

Simple steps to serve up fire safety in the kitchen include:

Always stay in the kitchen when cooking and turn off the stove if you must leave the kitchen.
Keep a proper fitting lid near the stove. If a pot of oil catches fire, slide the lid over the pot and turn off the stove. Do not move the pot. Never throw water on a burning pot.
Keep anything that burns - plastic utensils, dishcloths, paper towels - a safe distance from the stove.
Cook responsibly. To prevent cooking fires, you must be alert. You will not be alert if you have consumed alcohol or drugs.
Wear tight-fitting or rolled up sleeves when using the stove. Loose, dangling clothing can easily catch fire.
Keep young kids one metre away from the stove. Turn pot handles away from the stove’s edge so they can’t be easily knocked off.

To celebrate Fire Prevention Week, the Town of Essex will be posting a number of educational videos and activities to social media and online at www.essex.ca/FirePreventionWeek starting on Sunday, October 4. Residents will also have an opportunity to win a number of Fire Safety Prize Packs by participating in the posted activities.

For more information and questions about kitchen fire safety call Essex Fire and Rescue Services at 519-776-7336 ext 1060.