The St. Charles Fire Department is hosting an open house at Fire Station #1, 112 N. Riverside Avenue on Saturday, October 14, from Noon to 3 p.m. for Fire Prevention Week. The theme this year is “Cooking safety starts with YOU. Pay attention to fire prevention.” The campaign works to educate everyone about simple but important actions they can take when cooking to keep themselves and those around them safe.
All are invited to stop by the Open House, talk with the firefighters, and learn about fire safety. Several activities will be held throughout the day including:
- Live Fire Demonstration
- Special Rescue Operations
- Combat Challenge for Kids
Fun activities for children and refreshments also will be available, along with informational displays on department programs and general fire safety concerns.
According to NFPA, cooking is the leading cause of home fires and home fire injuries in the United States. Unattended cooking is the leading cause of cooking fires and deaths. “Year after year, cooking remains the leading cause of home fires by far, accounting for half (49 percent) of all U.S. home fires,” said Lorraine Carli, vice president of outreach and advocacy at NFPA. “These numbers tell us that there is still much work to do when it comes to better educating the public about ways to stay safe when cooking.”
The St. Charles Fire Department encourages all residents to embrace the 2023 Fire Prevention Week theme, “Cooking safety starts with you,” said Chad Tinsley, Fire Lieutenant. “A cooking fire can grow quickly. I have seen many homes damaged and people injured by fires that could easily have been prevented.”
The St. Charles Fire Department offers these key safety tips to help reduce the risk of a cooking fire:
- Watch what you heat. Always keep a close eye on what you are cooking. Set a timer to remind you that you are cooking.
- Turn pot handles toward the back of the stove. Always keep a lid nearby when cooking. If a small grease fire starts, slide the lid over the pan and turn off the burner.
- Have a “kid- and pet-free zone” of at least 3 feet (1 meter) around the stove or grill and anywhere else hot food or drink is prepared or carried.
The St. Charles Fire Department is hosting a series of events in support of this year’s FPW campaign, including school talks and our annual Fire Department Open House.
The National Fire Protection Association® (NFPA®) has been the official sponsor of Fire Prevention Week for more than 90 years. The campaign works to educate everyone about the small but important actions they can take to keep themselves and those around them safe.
For more general information about Fire Prevention Week and activities, visit www.fpw.org.
