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National Fire Prevention Week is October 4th – 10th. The theme for 2020 is "Serve Up Fire Safety in the Kitchen." Unattended cooking is the leading cause of fires in the home, according to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA). The Fire Prevention Week campaign serves to educate everyone about simple but important actions they can take to keep themselves and those around them safe.

According to the NFPA, cooking is the leading cause of home fires and home fire injuries in the United States. Almost half (44%) of reported home fires start in the kitchen. Two-thirds (66%) of home cooking fires start with the ignition of food or other cooking materials.

"The most important step to take before preparing a meal is to serve up fire safety in the kitchen," said Geoff Dunn, Tompkins County's Community Preparedness Coordinator. "Cooking fires can grow quickly, but can be easily prevented."

Here are some safety tips to follow to keep you from having a cooking fire:

  • Never leave cooking food unattended. Use timers as a reminder to check on food.
  • Keep kitchen appliances clean and in good repair.
  • Install a smoke detector near, but not in the kitchen.
  • Do not use metal in the microwave.
  • Do not overfill pots or pans with oil or grease.
  • Have a "kid-free zone" of at least 3 feet around the stove.

Fire Prevention Week is recognized annually by the National Fire Protection Association and fire departments and safety agencies across the country.

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