As October brings colder weather, chile roasting and seasonal holidays, it's important to remember that cooking fires are the No. one cause of home fires and home injuries, which are usually because of unattended cooking. New Mexico State University's Fire Department is participating in National Fire Prevention Week. This year’s theme is “Cooking Safety starts with YOU! Pay attention to fire prevention.” Fire Chief Johnny Carrillo invites the campus community to drop by the NMSU’s Fire Department at Wells and Research street sometime this week to say hello, pick up a brochure on fire safety and get free potholder.
Here are a few simple tips from the National Fire Protection Association to help protect your family and your home.
What you should know about home cooking safety
- Be on alert. If you are sleepy or have consumed alcohol, don’t use the stove or stove top.
- Stay in the kitchen while you are frying, grilling, boiling or broiling food.
- If you are simmering, baking or roasting food, check it regularly, remain in the kitchen while food is cooking, and use a timer to remind you that you are cooking.
- Keep anything that can catch fire — oven mitts, wooden utensils, food packaging, towels or curtains — away from your stove top.
If you have a cooking fire
- Just get out. When you leave, close the door behind you to help contain the fire.
- Call 911.
- If you try to fight the fire, be sure others are getting out and you have a clear way out.
- Keep a lid nearby when you’re cooking to smother small grease fires. Smother the fire by sliding the lid over the pan and turn off the stove top. Leave the pan covered until it is completely cooled.
- For an oven fire, turn off the heat and keep the door closed.