It’s Fire Prevention Week in Canada and the Town of Battleford and City of North Battleford fire departments are again reminding homeowners of some simple but important steps to keep themselves and those around them safe.
National Fire Prevention Week began on Oct. 8 and will run until Sunday with an emphasis on safety in the kitchen. This year’s theme is “Cooking safety starts with you. Pay attention for fire prevention.”
City of North Battleford’s Deputy Fire Chief Paul Perry is encouraging everyone in the area to examine what they are doing in the kitchen and put best practices into action that will dramatically cut down on the possibility of a house fire in your home.
“Fire Prevention Week is a great opportunity for everyone, young and old, to start thinking about the dangers of fire and what we can do to cut down the risk of tragedy around the house,” Perry told battlefordsNOW. “This year’s theme (cooking safety) is very important because all too often we hear of fires that started in the kitchen which could have been avoided had a few precautions had been in place.”
The Province of Saskatchewan reported that the leading cause of kitchen fires is unattended cooking. Perry said it only takes a few seconds for tragedy to strike in the kitchen.
“There’s no question we all have distractions whether it’s family, the phone, your pets; however, it is so very important to stay in the kitchen when you are preparing food,” he added. “That way if something happens you are close by to take action.”
Perry also warned that under no circumstances should you ever throw water on a grease fire.
“Smother it with a wet towel or blanket or even put the lid back on the pot will help avoid an explosive reaction that could set the rest of your home on fire.”
The Deputy Fire Chief also recommended that each home have multiple working smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors.
“One of the first things we look at when we are asked to do an inspection or walk about a home is whether there are working smoke and carbon monoxide detectors,” he explained. “Make sure the batteries are replaced regularly and check the expiry dates on your smoke alarms.”
For more information on fire prevention visit www.saskpublicsafety.com
—
roger.white@pattisonmedia.com
