Cooking Safety Starts with YOU! Pay Attention to Fire Prevention
As Fire Prevention Week (FPW) is upon us— this year’s theme is “Cooking safety starts with YOU”—Metalfab is banding together with North American fire departments and their communities in order to educate around the practice of fire safety in the kitchen and its significance. In this year’s campaign, the theme resounds with a particularly common yet often overlooked cause of household fires: cooking. We hope the slogan “Cooking safety starts with YOU! Pay attention to fire prevention.” will project an urgent call to action on North American residents and businesses.
Being the trusted fire truck manufacturer that we are, Metalfab Fire Trucks stands with fire chiefs at the forefront of the FPW campaign, echoing the message of cooking safety, accident prevention, and overall fire preparedness.
Understanding the Significance of Cooking Safety
Did you know cooking fires are the number one cause of home fires and home injuries? That’s right, and it’s because something as small as a momentary lapse in attention, an overheated pan, or an obstructed stovetop can quickly become a disastrous and out-of-control situation. By bringing attention to cooking safety during FPW, we at Metalfab aim to help reduce the number of these preventable incidents.
You see, we understand firsthand the devastation that fires can cause. That’s why we have dedicated our craft to designing and building custom fire trucks that cater to the diverse needs of communities across North America. Our intimate knowledge of firefighting equipment drives home the importance of prevention. However, while our trucks are built to respond, we believe that the best fire is the one that never starts.
Cooking Safety Tips (and Tricks)
You may feel like you’re already doing a good job of cooking safely, but just in case you’re not, have a read through these proactive measures that should be undertaken in every household.
#1: Never Leave Cooking Unattended
In order to create a safe cooking environment, it’s imperative that you always monitor food that’s simmering, baking, boiling, or roasting. If you need to leave the kitchen, even for a short period, turn off the stove and come back to it when you can give the food your full attention.
#2: Clear the Area
If you want your kitchen and home to remain fire-free, be consistent in keeping your cooking area clean and free from unnecessary items. For example, move combustibles such as paper towels, dishcloths, and curtains away from the stovetop, and turn your pot and pan handles inward so they can’t be bumped into or grabbed by children.
#3: Wear Appropriate Clothing
You might not pay any mind to what you wear while you’re cooking, but you should. Safe cooking wear is close-fitting and free of loose sleeves and dangling jewelry that could catch fire or get caught in pot handles. Additionally, opting for nonsynthetic fabrics like cotton can be prudent as they are less likely to melt and stick to your skin in the unfortunate event of a fire. This provides an extra layer of safety while you maneuver around the kitchen.
#4: Perform Regular Maintenance
Regular maintenance is key. Clean your cooking surfaces often to prevent grease buildup, which is a common cause of house fires. In case of a grease fire, have a pot lid nearby to smother the flames, and remember to never use water on a grease fire, as it can make it spread.
#4.1: Know Your Oils
Did you know different oils have different smoking points? Yep, so make sure you’re using the right type of oil for your cooking method to prevent smoke and potential fires.
#5: Manage Electrical Appliances
Your kitchen appliances play an integral role in preventing fires. First of all, you should plug kitchen appliances directly into outlets instead of using extension cords, which pose a number of risks like overloading and overheating. Second, we recommend you regularly check appliance cords for cracks and replace any damaged cords immediately.
#5.1: Microwave Safely
Microwaves can cause fires, too, and not just when you put metal in them. When using the microwave, be sure to only use microwave-safe containers and to periodically check the door seal to ensure the microwave is clear of food debris.
#6: Be Ready to Respond
In case of a cooking fire, your household needs to be ready to respond. First, make sure you have a working smoke alarm near your kitchen to detect any hint of smoke. Next, place a fire extinguisher in or close to the kitchen and ensure every family member knows how to use it. If a fire gets out of control, get out and call 911.
Metalfab’s Commitment to Fire Safety
As part of the wider fire service community, in both New Brunswick and North America at large, Metalfab Fire Trucks is not only committed to building state-of-the-art fire trucks but also to fostering a culture of fire safety awareness. During this Fire Prevention Week, we are actively engaging with our local communities, hosting workshops, and sharing resources to amplify the message of the FPW campaign.
While Fire Prevention Week shines a spotlight on fire safety once a year, the principles of prevention and awareness are evergreen. The campaign’s message—“Cooking safety starts with YOU! Pay attention to fire prevention.”—serves as a reminder that each individual plays an integral role in preventing fires. With collective vigilance, education, and the steadfast support of fire departments and businesses like Metalfab Fire Trucks, we can all aspire to reduce the number of house fires and build a safer future together.
If you have any questions or would like further information on Metalfab and our workshops, please feel free to contact us. Call 1-800-561-0012 or email us at info@metalfabfiretrucks.com today for further information.
