FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

October 5, 2020

Contact:        

Julie Happy

Spokane Valley Fire

509.892.4155

Jeff Kleingartner

City of Spokane Valley

509.720.5411

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CITY OF SPOKANE VALLEY TO DESIGNATE WEEK OF OCTOBER 4 – 10, 2020 FIRE PREVENTION WEEK

PREVENTION WEEK WILL FOCUS ON FIRE SAFETY IN THE KITCHEN

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City of Spokane Valley Mayor, Ben Wick, has proclaimed the week of October 4, 2020 as Fire Prevention Week.  The proclamation will be read at the October 6, City of Spokane Valley Council meeting.

City of Spokane Valley, Mayor Ben Wick said, “I urge Spokane Valley citizens to learn about the importance of in-home Fire Prevention practices and take advantage of the opportunity to make the City of Spokane Valley safer and healthier.”

Spokane Valley Fire Department (SVFD) is teaming up with the National Fire Protection Association® (NFPA®) — the official sponsor of Fire Prevention Week for more than 90 years —to promote this year’s Fire Prevention Week campaign, “Serve Up Fire Safety in the Kitchen!” The campaign works to educate everyone about simple but important actions they can take to keep themselves and those around them safe.

According to NFPA, cooking is the leading cause of home fires and home fire injuries in the United States. 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.

“This summer’s Wildfire Season was particularly difficult with multiple fires burning throughout our community and state,” said Spokane Valley Fire Department Fire Chief, Bryan Collins.  “Recognizing ways to practice Fire Safety and prevention in our homes this fall will help prevent avoidable traumatic situations for families in our community.

The Spokane Valley Fire Department encourages all residents to embrace the 2020 Fire Prevention Week theme.

“The most important step you should take before making a meal is to “Serve Up Fire Safety in the Kitchen!” said Spokane Valley Fire Department Fire Marshal, Greg Rogers.  “A cooking fire can grow quickly. I have seen many homes damaged and people injured by fires that could easily have been prevented.”

Spokane Valley Fire Department (SVFD) wants to share safety tips to keep you from having a cooking fire.

• 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.

“We know cooking fires can be prevented,” said Lorraine Carli, NFPA’s vice-president of outreach and advocacy. “Staying in the kitchen, using a timer, and avoiding distractions such as electronics or TV are steps everyone can take to keep families safe in their homes.”

For more general information about Fire Prevention Week and cooking fire prevention, visit www.fpw.org.