East Orange, NJ, September 28, 2020: Mayor Ted R. Green, the East Orange City Council and the East Orange Fire Division (EOFD) are teaming up with the National Fire Protection Association® (NFPA®) to kick off this year’s campaign, “Serve Up Fire Safety in the Kitchen!™” with virtual programming held during Fire Prevention Week October 4-10 and Grab N’ Go gift bags distributed on Saturdays throughout the month, starting on October 10th.
“With remote learning and more children home for extended periods of time, kitchen fire safety is more important than ever,” said Mayor Green. “The kitchen is often the center of the home and I urge our families to continue to remain vigilant and cautious in order to keep themselves and those around them safe.”
According to the NFPA, cooking is the leading cause of home fires and home fire injuries in the United States. Almost half (44%) of reported home fires started in the kitchen. Two-thirds (66%) of home cooking fires start with the ignition of food or other cooking materials.
“Each October, we look forward to the EOFD’s programs and activities to educate our community about fire safety in our homes, workplaces, houses of worship and schools,” said First Ward Councilwoman Amy Lewis and Public Safety Committee Chair. “I encourage every citizen to become aware of the simple, but lifesaving, tips and practices and incorporate them into their lives year-round.
“The most important step you should take before making a meal is to “Serve Up Fire Safety in the Kitchen!” said Fire Chief Andre M. Williams. “A cooking fire can grow quickly. I have seen many homes damaged and people injured by fires that could easily have been prevented. The EOFD encourages all residents to embrace the 2020 Fire Prevention Week theme and take the time to become knowledgeable about home fire safety.”
Below are some safety tips to keep you from having a cooking fire:
- Never leave cooking food unattended.
- Use a timer to remind you that you’re cooking.
- Stay alert when cooking.
- Always keep an oven mitt and pan lid nearby when you’re cooking.
- Have a “kid-free zone” of at least 3 feet around the stove and areas where hot food or beverages are prepared or carried.
- Have a kitchen fire extinguisher on hand.
- In the case of a fire, call 911 immediately.
In addition to promoting kitchen fire safety, the EOFD will also provide information and activities to cover other fire prevention and safety areas, including electrical safety, the “Close Before You Doze” campaign and the importance of smoke alarms.
“Due to COVID-19 restrictions concerning gatherings and social distancing, Fire Prevention Month and Week’s activities will look a little different this year,” added Chief Williams. “Each week, citizens are invited to visit our city’s official social media pages on Facebook and Instagram@EOCityHall and the EOFD Community Outreach Page on Facebook@EOFDNJ where valuable information, activities and links to fire safety and fire prevention videos will be available. Beginning Saturday, October 10th, and each Saturday throughout the month, one of our four firehouses also will host an information table with gift bags for neighborhood residents.”
To find out more about Fire Prevention Week programs and activities in East Orange, call 973-266-5506. For more general information about Fire Prevention Week and cooking fire prevention, visit www.fpw.org.
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