Marine Corps Logistics Base Albany is teaming up with the National Fire Protection Association – the official sponsor of Fire Prevention Week for more than 90 years — to promote this year’s Fire Prevention Week campaign titled “Serve Up Fire Safety in the Kitchen!”

The campaign works to educate people 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 or 44-percent of reported home fires start in the kitchen. Two-thirds of home cooking fires start with the ignition of food or other cooking materials.

“We know cooking fires can be prevented,” NFPA Outreach & Advocacy Vice President, Lorraine Carli remarked. “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.”

Carli notes that this year’s focus on cooking safety is particularly timely.

“As the public may continue to avoid restaurants for some time and opt instead to do more cooking and entertaining at home, the potential for home cooking fires will likely increase as well,” Carli added.

“MCLB Albany Fire Emergency Services encourages all residents to embrace the 2020 Fire Prevention Week theme,” MCLBA Assistant Fire Chief, Megan Cornell said. 

The MCLBA-Fire Emergency Services has these safety tips to help people 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.

• 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 three feet around the stove and areas where hot food or drink is prepared or carried.

To find out more about Fire Prevention Week programs and activities at MCLB, Albany, please contact the Fire Department at 229-639-5610.  For more general information about Fire Prevention Week and home escape planning, visit www.fpw.org.