It’s National Fire Prevention Week and this year’s theme is “Serve Up Fire Safety in the Kitchen!”
Michael Lewis, the provincial fire marshal for New Brunswick, said kitchen fires are among the leading causes of structure fires.
“Roughly half of our structural fires that we have here in the province originate in the kitchen from some sort of cooking-related activity,” said Lewis.
That figure is about on-par with the Canadian and North American average, said Lewis.
He said there are several things people of all ages can do to keep safe when cooking.
“The most important thing is to stay attentive when you’re cooking. Make sure you’re setting a timer, don’t leave the kitchen, that sort of thing. Items that are forgotten, things that are overcooked are one of our big concerns,” said Lewis.
Fire officials recommend turning pot handles inward to keep from bumping them when walking past the stove.
You should also keep combustible materials away from the stove. That includes not hanging dish towels or other fabrics on the oven door handle.
It is also recommended to keep pan covers and baking soda nearby in the event of a stovetop fire. You should also have a fire extinguisher handy and accessible, but not directly in the kitchen.
Lewis said this is also a good time to check the smoke detectors around your home, adding the batteries should be replaced twice a year.
“Make sure that there’s a smoke alarm in every sleeping area or at least on every floor and make sure those are checked on a monthly basis and that they’re replaced once every 10 years,” he said.
It is also recommended that you make a home fire escape plan and practice it on a regular basis, said Lewis.
National Fire Prevention Week runs from Oct. 4 to 10.
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