The National Fire Protection Association, the official sponsor of this week for 95 years, has announced the theme for Fire Prevention Week 2020 is:

                        “Serve Up Fire Safety in the Kitchen”

Cooking remains the leading cause of home fires and home fire injuries across the Nation, The  U.S. Fire Administration states that 1,511 home fire fatalities have been reported in the U.S. media so far this year, between January 1, 2020 and October 5, 2020. This is slightly higher than 2019, when there were 1,480 fatalities reported in the media from January 1 through September 30.

 Fire Safety Tips for Cooking – Keep These in Mind:*

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.

> 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, 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.

Bethesda Fire Department Stations – www.Bethesdafire.org

Station 6 – 6600 Wisconsin Avenue at Bradley Boulevard

Station 20 – 9041 Old Georgetown Road at Cedar Lane

Station 26 – 6700 Democracy Boulevard at the I-270 interchange

*Copyright 2020 Louisiana State Fire Marshal’s Office. All rights reserved.