It’s National Fire Prevention Week

This Week is National Fire Prevention Week and our friends from Berkeley Township want to share some ideas to keep your family safe from fire issues.

Berkeley Township Fire Official Brian Kubiel said, “The week of October 4th-October 10th is National Fire Prevention Week and now is a great opportunity to remind our residents about the importance of Fire Safety.”  The theme this year is “Serve Up Fire Safety in the Kitchen!”

According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), cooking is the leading cause of home fires and home fire injuries in the United States. Almost half of reported house fires start in the kitchen, meanwhile 66% of home cooking fires start with the ignition of food.

Mayor Carmen Amato stated, “Our Berkeley Township Fire Departments encourage all residents to embrace the 2020 Fire Prevention Week theme and I hope these reminders will keep everyone safe.”

• Staying in the kitchen while there is food on the stove, using a timer, and avoiding distractions such as electronics or TV are steps everyone can take to keep families safe in their homes.
• 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.

For more information, contact the Berkeley Township Recreation Department at 732-269-4456  or www.BTRec.org