September 29, 2020 – Marianna Fire Rescue is teaming up with the National Fire Protection Association® (NFPA®) — the official sponsor of Fire Prevention Week for more than 90 years —to promote this year’s Fire Prevention Week campaign, “Serve Up Fire Safety in the Kitchen!” The campaign works to educate everyoneabout simple but important actions they can take to keep themselves and those around them safe.
According to NFPA, cooking is the leading cause of home fires and home fire injuries in the United States.Almost half (44%) of reported home fires started in the kitchen. Two-thirds (66%) of home cooking fires start with the ignition of food or other cooking materials.“We know cooking fires can be prevented,” said Lorraine Carli, NFPA’s vice-president of outreach and advocacy. “Staying in the kitchen, using a timer, and avoiding distractions such as electronics or TV are steps everyone can take to keep families safe in their homes.”Marianna Fire Rescue encourages all residents to embrace the 2020 Fire Prevention Week theme.“The most important step you should take before making a meal is to “Serve Up Fire Safety in the Kitchen!” said Chief Michael Hall. “A cooking fire can grow quickly. I have seen many homes damaged and people injured by fires that could easily have been prevented.”Marianna Fire Rescue wants to share safety tips to keep you from having a cooking fire.
– Never leave cooking food unattended. Stay in the kitchen while you are frying, grilling or broiling. If you have to leave, even for a short time, turn off the stove.-If you are simmering, baking, roasting, or boiling food, check it regularly, remain in the home while food is cooking, and use a timer to remind you that you’re cooking.-You have to be alert when cooking. You won’t be alert if you are sleepy, have taken medicine or drugs, or consumed alcohol that makes you drowsy.-Always keep an oven mitt and pan lid nearby when you’re cooking. If a small grease fire starts, slide thelid over the pan to smother the flame. Turn off the burner, and leave the pan covered until it is completely cool.-Have a “kid-free zone” of at least 3 feet around the stove and areas where hot food or drink is preparedor carried.
Marianna Fire Rescue is hosting a fundraiser with The Ice Box at City Hall in support of this year’s Fire Prevention Week campaign, “Serve Up Fire Safety in the Kitchen!” The Ice Box will be at City Hall Tuesday, October 6th and Wednesday, October 7th from noon until 6:00 pm. Once you get your treat from The Ice Box be sure to stop by the fire bay to pick up fire safety information for the children. The fundraiser will go towards purchasing smoke detectors that the department provides to city residents free of charge. ThenThursday, October 8th the new Engine 15 will be on Orange Street in the parking lot by Spears Café from 3:00 pm-5:00 pm to pass out fire prevention information with Rescue the Dog. Be sure to bring the family out to enjoy all of these activities.To find out more about Fire Prevention Week programs and activities in the City of Marianna, please contact Marianna Fire Rescue at 850-482-2414 or Jeanne Davis at [email protected]. For more general information about Fire Prevention Week and cooking fire prevention, visit www.fpw.org.
