The Victoria Fire Department is partnering with the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) to promote Fire Prevention Week (October 8 to 14, 2023). This year’s theme is Cooking Safety Starts With YOU!TM.
The annual public safety campaign raises awareness on how to plan ahead to keep people and their families safe in the event of a fire.
Fire Prevention Week
“In British Columbia, injuries, deaths and losses from household fires continue to rise at an unacceptable level. Cooking fires are the second leading cause of these fires at 25 per cent; each of these fires were preventable. With care and attention, we can all take steps to reduce these numbers,” said Megan Sabell, Assistant Chief Fire Prevention Officer - Investigator.
Megan Sabell adds, “While every year in October we recognize Fire Prevention Week, fire safety is a responsibility that everyone must practise year-round.”
Local elementary schools
Below are some tips to help protect the family and home from fire when cooking:
- Never leave cooking unattended whether it’s on the stove, in the oven or another appliance.
- Keep flammable objects away from the stove and don’t hang towels on the oven door.
- Turn the pot handles in when cooking on a stovetop.
- Keep the kitchen a play free zone with young children.
- Don’t wear loose clothing while cooking.
- Keep cooking area free of built-up grease.
- When frying, always keep a tight-fitting lid nearby to place over the pan in the event contents ignite.
- Never use water on a grease fire; have an extinguisher nearby or smother the pan.
- Make sure users have working smoke alarms installed throughout the home.
- During Fire Prevention Week, the Victoria Fire Department will be visiting local elementary schools to talk about fire safety.