Preparing a meal can be hectic from timing ingredients to the phone ringing to the kids calling. With these added pressures, it’s no wonder we can be distracted when cooking. Every day when we prepare meals, we are at risk of a cooking fire.
According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), on average fire departments respond to more than 150,000 home structure fires that involve cooking equipment each year. These fires kill hundreds, injure thousands, and cause hundreds of millions in direct property damage.
The Johnson City Volunteer Fire Department and Fire Corp want to help our community reduce their risk of cooking fires and related injuries and deaths. Stop by the Blanco Country Fairground Exhibit Hall displays on Friday, August 16 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM and Saturday, August 17 12:00 PM – 8:00 PM to see our safety display to help people learn the simple steps that can be taken to be safer when cooking. Take some important safety cooking tips home to your kitchen. We hope to see you there!
If you cannot make it here are some tips for you to share with your family!
• Never leave cooking food unattended. Stay in the kitchen while you are frying, grilling or broiling. If you have to leave, even for a short time, turn off the stove.
• If you are simmering, baking, roasting, or boiling food, check it regularly, remain in the home while food is cooking, and use a timer to remind you that you’re cooking.
• You have to be alert when cooking. You’ won’t be alert if you are sleepy, have taken medicine or drugs, or consume alcohol that makes you drowsy.
• If you have a cooking fire and are in doubt, just get out and call the fire department.
• Always keep an oven mitt and pan lid nearby when you’re cooking. If a small grease fire starts, slide the lid over the pan to smother the flame. Turn off the burner, and leave the pan covered until it is completely cool.
• Keep children at least three feet away from the stove.
For more information on cooking safety visit the National Fire Protection Association at www.nfpa.org/cooking or contact the Johnson City Volunteer Fire Department at (830) 868-7900.
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