10/08/2023
This year’s Fire Prevention Week campaign by NFPA is “Cooking safety starts with you. Pay attention to fire prevention" which works to educate everyone about simple but important actions they can take to keep themselves and those around them safer while cooking.
We encourage all residents to embrace the 2023 Fire Prevention Week theme, and follow these key cooking safety tips:
• Always use cooking equipment—air fryers, slow cookers, electric skillets, hot plates, griddles, etc.—that are listed by a qualified testing laboratory.
• Follow the manufacturer’s instructions on where and how to use appliances.
• Remember to unplug all appliances when not in use.
• Check cords regularly for damage. Do not use any appliance with a damaged cord.
Slow Cooker
A slow cooker is designed to be left on while you do other things, even things outside of the home.
However, there are few safety tips to keep in mind:
• Keep things that could catch fire away from the slow cooker.
• Make sure the slow cooker is in a place where it won’t get bumped. If the lid gets dislodged,
the liquid could boil away, which could cause the appliance to overheat and create a fire
Pressure Cooker
A pressure cooker is designed to cook food faster than a stovetop or oven. Because it uses hot steam and pressure to cook food it is important that they are used properly to prevent burns.
• Place the cooker in an open space to give enough room for the steam to ventilate.
• Never cover the steam release valve on the pressure cooker.
• Do not leave the home when using a pressure cooker.
Air Fryers
• Give your air fryer enough space. The air vents release heat and need airflow.
• Do not leave the home when using the air fryer.
• Make sure you clean grease and food debris after every use. Unplug and allow to cool completely before cleaning.
Hot Plate, Griddle and Electric Skillet
• Stay with the hot plate, griddle, or electric skillet when cooking.
• Do not touch the surface of a hot plate, griddle, or electric skillet, as it could burn you.
• Unplug a hot plate, griddle, or electric skillet when not in use and before cleaning. Allow the appliance to cool before cleaning it.
If you have any doubts about fighting a small fire:
Just get out! When you leave, close the door behind you to help contain the fire.
Call 9-1-1 or the local emergency number from outside the home.
For more information about fire prevention, visit:
NFPA: www.nfpa.org/Events/Events/Fire-Prevention-Week
If you go to this link they have all kinds of materials, safety messages and tip sheets, activities and games for kids and more. Even material in Spanish as well.