National Fire Prevention Week is next week (October 4-10) in the U.S. and one government official is warning of potential unique fire safety risks posed by COVID-19.
“With more and more people being homebound and trying to multitask between teleworking, chores, cooking, and the like, it is understandable that people can get distracted from what they’re doing,” said Pennsylvania State Fire Commissioner Bruce Trego.
According to the National Fire Protection Association, 44 percent of home fires start in the kitchen and the ignition of food or cooking materials is the leading cause.
Trego said first responders need the public's help to limit possible exposure to COVID-19.
"Limiting public interaction keeps emergency responders safe from COVID and by taking action to prevent calls, you’re helping to limit department expenses while they are unable to conduct fundraising.”
The commissioner said one import step toward fire prevent in the kitchen is to never leave cooking unattended and use a timer when possible. He also said handles for pots and pans should be pointed away from where anybody could reach them or accidentally knock them over.
Trego said first-time cooks, especially students in dorms, should fully understand how to use their appliances before cooking.
“We want everyone to fully grasp the risk cooking poses, especially students who are just discovering the responsibilities of living independently,” Trego added. “It’s not uncommon for universities reacting to a COVID outbreak to quarantine students in their dorm rooms where there is limited space and few cooking appliances. Be mindful and talk to your students about how they can stay safe.”
In addition smoke alarms should be tested once a month.
This year's theme for Fire Prevention Week is “Serve Up Fire Safety in The Kitchen™."