As unattended cooking remains the main cause of home fires and home fire-related injuries in the United States, from October 4-10, this year’s campaign is focused on creating awareness of how the vast majority of cooking-related fires and injuries can be prevented when simple but important, life-saving actions are taken in and around the kitchen in order to keep everyone safe.

According to NFPA, 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.

“Cooking fires can spread quickly. Taking the appropriate safety measures around the kitchen can prevent a home fire from happening, saving life and property,” said MDFR Fire Chief Alan Cominsky. "Supervised cooking, designating a safe zone for children and pets away from cooking areas, and keeping objects that can easily catch on fire away from any kitchen heat source are easy steps that families can take to be safe.”

This 2020 Fire Prevention Week, Miami-Dade Fire Rescue encourages all residents to Serve Up Fire Safety in the Kitchen by keeping the following safety guidelines in mind:

• 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.

Be sure to follow our social media platforms daily to find out more about fire safety messaging. For more general information about Fire Prevention Week and cooking fire prevention, visit www.fpw.org.