Take simple actions to prevent fires and keep yourself and others safe when cooking at home

In advance of Fire Prevention Week (October 4 to 10, 2020), Port Moody Fire-Rescue encourages you to take simple but important actions to keep everyone safe when you’re cooking at home. 

“Cooking is something we do every day, so it’s easy to forget how dangerous it can be,” says Fire Chief Ron Coulson. “Cooking is the number one cause of home fires and home fire injuries, and unattended cooking is the leading cause of fires in the kitchen. 

“Staying in the kitchen while cooking, using a timer, and avoiding distractions such as electronic devices are steps everyone can take to keep families safe in their homes.” 

Fires caused by cooking are preventable. Here are some easy actions that you can take to prevent a fire in the kitchen:

• never leave cooking food unattended – stay in the kitchen while you are frying, grilling, or broiling food, and turn off the stove if you have to leave, even for a short time;
• 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;
• stay alert – you won’t be alert if you are sleepy, have taken medicine or drugs, or have 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; and
• have a kid-free zone of at least one metre around the stove and areas where hot food or drink is prepared or carried. 

Visit portmoody.ca/firerescue or firepreventionweek.org to learn more about home fire safety. 

Through education, Fire Prevention Week empowers people to take small steps that can make a big difference by preventing fires and saving lives.