[Press Release] : It's Fire Prevention Week - 'Watch what you heat!'

[pr-l at news.gocolumbiamo.com]

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 
Contact: Battalion Chief Steven Sapp - Public Information Officer (573) 874-7557

It's Fire Prevention Week - 'Watch what you heat!'

COLUMBIA, MO (October 5, 2006) -- The Columbia Fire Department reminds everyone Oct. 8-14, 2006 is National Fire Prevention Week. Fire Prevention Week was established by the National Fire Protection Association in 1922 in commemoration of the Great Chicago Fire of 1871 in which 250 people lost their lives, 100,000 people were displaced and homeless, and more than 17,400 buildings were destroyed. 

Each year the NFPA designates a theme. This year, the theme is, “Prevent Cooking Fires - Watch What You Heat!"

Home fires started by unattended cooking cause thousands of dollars in damage to homes in Columbia each year. Since 2001, there have been 90 fires in Columbia started by unattended cooking. That's an average of 18 home fires a year which are preventable. So far in 2006, the Columbia Fire Department has responded to nine fires caused by unattended cooking. 

The NFPA reports on a national basis:
* Between 1999-2002 there were 114,000 reported home fires associated with cooking equipment on average per year, resulting in an annual 290 deaths and 4,380 injuries. 
* Unattended cooking is the leading cause of home cooking fires. 
* Three in 10 reported home fires start in the kitchen -- more than any other place in the home. 
* Two out of three reported home cooking fires start with the range or stove. 
* Electric ranges or stoves have a higher risk of fires, injuries and property damage, compared to gas ranges or stoves, but gas ranges or stoves have a higher risk of fire deaths.

Stand By Your Pan 
* Most fires in the kitchen occur because cooking is left unattended. Stay in the kitchen when you are frying, grilling or broiling food.
* If you leave the kitchen for even a short period of time, turn off the stove. 
* If you are simmering, boiling, baking or roasting food, check it regularly, remain in the home while food is cooking, and use a timer to remind you that the stove or oven is on.

Kitchen Fires 101 
While the following tips can help you put out a small kitchen fire, never forget how dangerous fire can be. If you are unable to put out the fire, get out of the home and call the fire department. When in doubt, get out!
* If you have a fire in your microwave, turn it off immediately and keep the door closed. Never open the door until the fire is completely out. Unplug the appliance if you can safely reach the outlet. 
* Always keep an oven mitt and a lid nearby when you're cooking. If a small grease fire starts in a pan, smother the flames by carefully sliding the lid over the pan (make sure you are wearing the oven mitt). Turn off the burner. To keep the fire from restarting, don't remove the lid until the pan is completely cool. 
* In case of an oven fire, turn off the heat and keep the door closed to prevent flames from burning you or your clothing. 
* Keep a fire extinguisher in the kitchen in case of an emergency. Make sure that you know what type of fire the extinguisher will put out and how it works before an emergency occurs.

In addition, please remember to install and maintain smoke alarms on every level of your home. Test the smoke alarm at least once a month and change the battery in your smoke alarm at least once per year. If your smoke alarm(s) are over 10 years old, replace them.

Finally, take a few minutes with the entire family to design and practice a family fire escape plan so that you may escape your home in the event of fire quickly. Know two ways out of each room, assign specific tasks to adults, and have a common meeting spot outside and away from the home. Call 9-1-1 from a neighbor's home and never attempt to re-enter a burning home for possessions or to try an effect a rescue.

For more information, visit the Columbia Fire Department Web site at www.GoColumbiaMo.com or visit the National Fire Protection Association's Web site at www.firepreventionweek.com. For a free cooking safety brochure, call the Columbia Fire Department at (573) 874-7556. 

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