Cooking Safety Starts with YOU on Fire Prevention week

It is Fire Prevention week in Wheatland County. This year's theme is "Cooking Safety Starts with YOU." Wheatland County encourages everyone to engage in conversations with friends and family about the importance of fire safety while cooking.⁣

Fire Prevention Officer for Wheatland County Cindy Ramsay explained the importance of Fire Safety especially in the kitchen and that cooking fires are the leading cause of home fire and home fire injuries.  Unattended cooking is the leading cause of cooking fires and deaths.

"We just want to educate everyone about simple but important actions to keep those around you and yourself of course, safe when cooking. Some of the tips that I would have for cooking safety are to turn the pot handles towards the back of the stove and always keep a lid nearby when cooking in case of a small grease fire. That way you can slide the lid over the pan and turn off the burners."

Ramsay also said that it is very important to keep the kitchen a kid free zone of at least 1 meter (3’) around the stove and areas where hot food or drink is prepared or carried.

"A lot of us use an air fryer, be sure to 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."

Wheatland County are giving away oven mitts with cooking safety brochures to residents. County halls are also handing these out to their communities and doing their own initiatives whether it be door to door or hosting open houses.

For more information on Fire Prevention and what you can do to be safe in the kitchen visit the Wheatland County website. 

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