The Beverly Hills Fire Department (BHFD) is partnering with the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) to promote this year’s Fire Prevention Week campaign, “Serve Up Fire Safety in the Kitchen!” The campaign takes place from Oct. 4 through Oct. 11.
The purpose of the campaign is to educate community members about important actions they can take to keep themselves and those around them safe when it comes to home fire prevention. According to NFPA, cooking is the leading cause of home fires and home fire injuries in the county. Almost half of reported home fires begin in the kitchen, and two thirds of home cooking fires start with the ignition of food or other cooking materials. “The most important step you should take before making a meal is to make sure your kitchen is safely equipped and that you remain alert,” said BHFD Chief Greg Barton. “A cooking fire can grow quickly. I have seen many homes damaged and people injured by fires that could easily have been prevented.”
The BHFD urges residents to follow safety tips including never leave cooking food unattended; stay in the kitchen while you are frying, grilling or broiling; if you have to leave, turn off the stove; when simmering, baking, roasting, or boiling food, check it regularly and use a timer; remain alert while cooking at all times; keep an oven mitt and pan lid nearby when cooking; and create a “kid-free zone” of at least three feet around the stove. If a small grease fire starts, the BHFD recommends sliding the lid over the pan to smother the flame and turn off the burner, leaving the pan covered until it is completely cool.
To learn more, visit nfpa.org. Residents may also contact the Beverly Hills Fire Department at 310-281-2700.
