This Fire Prevention Week, Saanich Fire reminds residents to serve up fire safety in the kitchen!

The Saanich Fire Department is teaming up with the National Fire Protection Association to promote this year’s Fire Prevention Week campaign, fire safety in the kitchen! The campaign works to educate residents about simple but important actions they can take to keep themselves and those around them safe. 

“The most important step you should take before making a meal is to “serve up fire safety in the kitchen!” said Deputy Fire Chief Frank Macdonald.“ A cooking fire can grow quickly. I have seen many homes damaged and people injured by fires that could easily have been prevented.”

Here are some tips to keep you and your family safe in the kitchen:

• 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 the lid 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 prepared or carried.

Learn more:

To find out more about Fire Prevention Week programs and activities please contact the Saanich Fire Department at 250-475-5550 or visit saanich.ca/fire. For more general information about Fire Prevention Week and cooking fire prevention, visit fpw.org.

Media contact:

Saanich Communications
media@saanich.ca