As Fire Prevention Week™ approaches, Valdosta Fire Department reminds residents: “Serve Up Fire Safety in the Kitchen!™

The Valdosta Fire Department is teaming up with the National Fire Protection Association® (NFPA®) — the official sponsor of Fire Prevention Week for more than 90 years —to promote this year’s Fire Prevention Week campaign, “Serve Up Fire Safety in the Kitchen!” The campaign works to educate everyone about simple but important actions they can take to keep themselves and those around them safe.  Fire Prevention Week is scheduled for Oct 4-10.

According to NFPA, cooking is the leading cause of home fires and home fire injuries in the United States. Almost half (44%) of reported home fires started in the kitchen. Two-thirds (66%) of home cooking fires start with the ignition of food or other cooking materials.

“We know cooking fires can be prevented,” said Lorraine Carli, NFPA’s vice-president of outreach and advocacy. “Staying in the kitchen, using a timer, and avoiding distractions such as electronics or TV are steps everyone can take to keep families safe in their homes.”

The Valdosta Fire Department encourages all residents to embrace the 2020 Fire Prevention Week theme.

The Valdosta Fire Department wants to share safety tips to keep you from having a cooking fire.

  • 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 consumed alcohol that makes you drowsy.
  • 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.
  • Have a “kid-free zone” of at least 3 feet around the stove and areas where hot food or drink is prepared or carried.

The Valdosta Fire Department is hosting a series of events in support of this year’s Fire Prevention Week campaign, “Serve Up Fire Safety in the Kitchen!”, including:

  • Monday, October 5 – Mayor Scott James Matheson will read a Proclamation at Station 1 at 11 a.m. The proclamation will be recorded and posted to the VFD Facebook Page.
  • Monday, October 5 – VFD is teaming up with Miller Hardware to host a “Fire Safety Basket” giveaway. VFD and Miller Hardware will be giving away two baskets through a social media campaign. The winners will be drawn at random on Friday, October 9. Participants must like, share, and comment on the Giveaway Post on the VFD’s Facebook Page to be entered to win.
  • Monday, October 5 - Friday, October 9 – The Valdosta Fire Department will hold a “Story Time with VFD” on Facebook Live each day throughout the week at 6 p.m. Please tune in to the VFD’s Facebook Page with your kids each night!
  • Tuesday, October 6 – VFD will host its annual puppet show-virtual edition on Facebook Live at 5 p.m. Please tune in to the Valdosta Fire Department Facebook Page.
  • Wednesday, October 7 – VFD will host a virtual station tour of Fire Station 1 on Facebook Live at 10 a.m. Please tune in to the Valdosta Fire Department Facebook Page.
  • Thursday, October 8 - VFD will host a virtual station tour of one of the fire engines on Facebook Live at 10 a.m. Please tune in to the Valdosta Fire Department Facebook Page.
  • Thursday, October 8 - The Valdosta Fire Department has partnered with local State Farm agencies-Paul Cribbs and Travis Pate, to spread awareness and promote this years’ Fire Prevention Week. The VFD will hand out fire prevention week bags to elementary students at 3 p.m 
  • Friday, October 9 - VFD will host a virtual station tour of one of the ladder trucks on Facebook Live at 10 a.m. Please tune in to the Valdosta Fire Department Facebook Page 
  • Friday, October 9 - VFD will draw the winners of the Miller Hardware “Fire Safety Baskets” giveaway at 3 p.m. Please tune in to the Valdosta Fire Department Facebook Page.

To find out more about Fire Prevention Week programs and activities in Valdosta please contact the Valdosta Fire Department at 229-333-1835 For more general information about Fire Prevention Week and cooking fire prevention, visit www.fpw.org.

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