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Environmental and Public Protection Cabinet
Governor Fletcher proclaims Oct. 8-14 as Fire Prevention Week
FRANKFORT, Ky. (Oct. 9, 2006) – Governor Ernie Fletcher has proclaimed Oct. 8-14 as fire prevention week in Kentucky and reminds Kentuckians to “Prevent Cooking Fires: Watch What You Heat.”
During this year’s fire safety campaign, firefighters and safety advocates will be spreading the word about the dangers of cooking fires – most of which result from unattended cooking – and teaching residents how to prevent cooking fires from starting in the first place.
“Three in 10 reported home fires start in the kitchen – more than any other place in the home,” said State Fire Marshal Rodney Raby. “We want to remind residents not to leave anything cooking unattended, even for a short time. It only takes a few moments for a dangerous fire to start.”
According to the National Fire Prevention Association, cooking is the leading cause of home fires. One out of three home fires begins in the kitchen – more than any other place in the home. Cooking fires are also the leading cause of home fire-related injuries.
The State Fire Marshal’s Office offers the following fire prevention safety tips:
- Stay in the kitchen when you are frying, grilling, broiling or boiling food.
- If you must leave the room, even for a short period of time, turn off the stove.
- When you are simmering, baking or roasting food, check it regularly, stay in the home and use a timer.
- If you have young children, use the stove’s back burners whenever possible. Keep children and pets at least three feet away from the stove.
- When you cook, wear clothing with tight-fitting sleeves.
- Keep potholders, oven mitts, wooden utensils, paper and plastic bags, towels and anything else that can burn away from your stovetop.
- Clean up food and grease from burners and stovetops.
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