(File Photo/northeastNOW Staff)

By Mat Barrett

Fire Prevention Week

Fire Prevention Week looks at fire safety in the kitchen

Oct 7, 2020 | 12:01 PM

Fire Prevention Week began on Oct. 4 and runs through Oct. 10 this year and with Thanksgiving approaching quickly, the theme for 2020 is ‘serving up fire safety in the kitchen.’

“Cooking fires are the number one cause of home fires and home injuries,” said Melfort Fire Chief Shaun Stewart. “So, if we put a few little safety things in place, then hopefully we can stop those from happening.”

Stewart said to always watch what you are cooking to make sure it doesn’t cause a fire. He said if you have to leave your cooking unattended, set a timer to make sure you can check up on your food.

Meanwhile, with Thanksgiving brings family together and a likely more crowded than normal house. Stewart said there’s a few things to worry about in the kitchen at this time of year as well.

“I like to keep kids three feet away from the stove if possible, you never know what’s going on,” he said. “Keep the little ones away from the stove, that’s where a lot of hot scalds and burns happen.”

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Stewart added keeping knives away from children is another thing to keep everyone in the kitchen safe. Making sure electrical cords from things like coffee makers, carving knives, and warming plates are all out of the way to make sure they don’t cause a fire.

Even though it is Fire Prevention Week, Stewart said fire prevention should always be practiced and on the minds of residents.

“All year long, stuff goes on,” he said. “I like to think, Jan. 1 and June 1, I change the batteries in all of the detectors I have in my house if they are battery operated.”

Changing the batteries is just one of numerous things to think about all year round. Stewart mentioned that Christmas, Halloween, and Easter also all have their risks.

One way to make sure your house is fire safe, according to Stewart is making a fire escape plan. He said drawing out a map and planning ways to escape through doors and windows if need be is a good way to start. There should also be a specific meeting place outside as well.

“Practice it,” Stewart said. “Two, three, four times a year if you have to.”

Stewart added that having a fire extinguisher is also a good idea in the home.

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mat.barrett@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @matbarrett6