Calgary, AB,
09
October
2013
|
13:09
America/Denver

Calgary Fire Department Shares Thanksgiving Safety Tips for Fire Prevention Week

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With Thanksgiving quickly approaching and many Calgarians expected to be busy in the kitchen, the Calgary Fire Department is sharing important safety information to help prevent kitchen fires and cooking injuries.
 
The Calgary Fire Department is participating in Fire Prevention Week which runs from October 6 – 12, 2013. This year’s theme of  ‘Preventing Kitchen Fires’ is very important at this time of year, when the country celebrates many holidays centred on family meals and cooking. 
 
“Thanksgiving and other upcoming holidays should be a time to spend with our families and enjoy time in the kitchen,” said Calgary Fire Department Public Information Officer Carol Henke. “Being alert and prepared, as well as keeping safety in mind is paramount in preventing kitchen fires and burn injuries.”
 
When cooking and planning for large meals, it is recommended that a limited number of people are in the kitchen when food is being taken out or put in the oven or hot pots are being moved from the stove to the counter.  Other cooking safety tips from the Calgary Fire Department include:
 
• Remember not to store combustible or flammable items in the bottom drawer of the oven.

• In case of an oven fire, turn off the heat and keep the door closed.

• Never hold a child while you are cooking or carrying hot foods or liquids.

• Clean food and grease from the oven and stovetop once it has cooled.

• To prevent overheating and ignition of cooking oil, fry foods in a temperature controlled deep-fat fryer or skillet designed for a maximum temperature of 200 °C. 

• Make sure to use dry oven mitts and potholders to prevent scalding or burns.

• Place hot foods and liquids in the centre of a table or toward the back of a counter and out of the reach of young children.
 
“Proactive safety measures in the kitchen should be part of one’s everyday meal preparation,” said Henke.
 
In 2012, the Calgary Fire Department responded to more than 1,800 fires.  Almost 450 of those were kitchen fires; either originating in the kitchen or caused by cooking.  In Alberta, cooking fires are the number one cause of home fires and home fire injuries and the second cause of home fire deaths.  Most kitchen fires occur between 5 p.m. and 6 p.m., during the evening meal preparation time.
 
The Calgary Fire Department encourages fire prevention and safety during Fire Prevention Week and throughout the year.  
 
Working to reduce the risk of injury, the Calgary Fire Department is committed to delivering fire safety outreach to Calgarians and encouraging citizen responsibility and safe practices.
 
 
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