Botetourt Announces National Fire Prevention Week

October 6, 2020 Reader Submission

Botetourt County Department of Fire & EMS is teaming up with the National Fire
Protection Association (NFPA) to share the message for the 2020 Fire Prevention Week,

“Serve Up Fire Safety in the Kitchen!”
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.
Botetourt County Department of Fire & EMS 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 Lieutenant Adam Smith. “A cooking fire can grow quickly. I have
seen many homes damaged and people injured by fires that could easily have been prevented.”
Botetourt County Department of Fire & EMS wants to share these safety tips:
 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,
drugs or 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. NEVER attempt to extinguish a grease fire with water.
 Have a “kid-free zone” of at least 3 feet around the stove and areas where hot food or drink is
prepared or carried.
Due to COVID-19, Botetourt County Department of Fire & EMS will be doing things a little different this
year and working to fully leverage both local and social media in support of this year’s Fire Prevention
Week campaign, “Serve Up Fire Safety in the Kitchen!”
To find out more about coverage of Fire Prevention Week programs and activities in Botetourt County,
contact Deputy Chief Jeff Powell at (540) 928-2206 or jpowell@botetourtva.gov.
For more general information about Fire Prevention Week and cooking fire prevention, visit
www.fpw.org.