JANESVILLE — The Janesville Fire Department is teaming up with the National Fire Protection Association to celebrate Fire Prevention Week, Sunday Oct. 8 through Saturday, Oct. 14.
This year’s campaign, “Cooking safety starts with you. Pay attention to fire prevention,” aims to educate the public about simple yet important actions that can be taken when cooking to keep a safe environment.
“Year after year, cooking remains the leading cause of home fires by far, accounting for half (49 percent) of all U.S. home fires,” vice president of outreach and advocacy at NFPA Lorraine Carli said. “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 Janesville Fire Department encourages all residents to embrace this year’s theme, “Cooking safety starts with you,” Janesville Fire Marshall Nathan Simmons said in a release. “A cooking fire can grow quickly. I have seen many homes damaged and people injured by fires that could easily have been prevented.”
Some 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 life 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.
For more information about Fire Prevention Week and fire prevention in general visit and .
Resident may also contact the Janesville Fire Department Fire Prevention Bureau at fireprevention@ci.janesville.wi.us or (608) 755-3056.
