October 8-14, 2023 Marks the 101st Anniversary of Fire Prevention Week
Fire Prevention Week commemorates the 1922 Great Chicago Fire, which killed hundreds of people, left 100,000 residents homeless, and destroyed tens of thousands of structures.
This year’s theme, Cooking Safety Starts with YOU! Pay Attention to Fire Prevention, focuses on educating everyone about simple but important actions they can take when cooking to keep themselves and those around them safe. Cooking fires are the leading cause of home fires and home fire injuries. Unattended cooking is the leading cause of cooking fires.
What can you do? The good news is you can prevent most cooking fires and burns. Keep your family safe with our simple but effective top tips.
- TURN pot handles toward the back of the stove. Always keep a lid nearby when cooking. If a small grease fire starts, slide the lid over the pan and turn off the burner.
- WATCH what you heat. Always keep a close eye on what you are cooking. Set a timer to remind you that you are cooking.
- HAVE a “kid-free zone” of at least 1 metre around the stove and areas where hot food or drink is prepared or carried.
Be sure to visit us during Fire Prevention Week on October 14, 2023, between10am-2:30pm at the West End Community Centre in Guelph as we partner with the Guelph Fire Department to present a Community Event for residents.
For more information about Fire Prevention Week and cooking safety, visit www.fpw.org or contact Guelph/Eramosa Fire Prevention Officer Mathew Williamson at mwilliamson@get.on.ca at 519-835-6724.
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