NFPA provides resources for Fire Prevention Week

October 2, 2013

Quincy, MA – In recognition of Fire Prevention Week (Oct. 6-12), the National Fire Protection Association issued information to help keep families safe from fires, including fire facts, a quiz, and information specifically for families, teachers and fire services.

Most home fires start in the kitchen, and NFPA suggests the following tips to help prevent cooking fires:

  • Do not use the stove if you are tired or have consumed alcohol.
  • Stay in the kitchen while frying, grilling or broiling food. Turn off the stove if you leave the room for any amount of time.
  • Use a timer to remind yourself that you are cooking.
  • Keep oven mitts, wooden utensils, towels, curtains and other objects that can catch fire away from the stovetop.
  • Make sure children stay at least 3 feet away from the stove.

As part of the awareness week, the Electrical Safety Foundation International released a toolkit with information about kitchen appliance hazards, arc-fault and ground fault circuit interrupters, and smoke alarms. ESFI also developed a virtual fire drill that families can use to practice escaping from a home fire and a smoke alarm safety video for kids.