The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), sponsor of Fire Prevention Week for over a century, has revealed its theme for the 2023 event

Spanning October 8-14, the theme for Fire Prevention Week 2023 is ‘Cooking safety starts with you! Pay attention to fire prevention’ the NFPA has announced.

The campaign intends to educate the public on straightforward but crucial steps they can take to reduce fire risks while cooking at home, thereby ensuring their safety and the safety of those around them.

Unveiling the theme of Fire Prevention Week 2023

According to NFPA, cooking is the main cause of home fires. Nearly half, precisely 49 percent, of all home fires involve cooking equipment.

Additionally, cooking tops the list of home fire injuries. Unattended cooking stands out as the leading cause of home cooking fires and related fatalities.

NFPA data illustrates that cooking is the sole major cause of fire that led to more fires and fire-related deaths between 2014-2018 than in the period of 1980-1984.

Increasing public awareness of cooking hazards

“These numbers tell us that more public awareness is needed around when and where cooking hazards exist, along with ways to prevent them,” said Lorraine Carli, vice president of the Outreach and Advocacy at NFPA.

Carli noted: “This year’s Fire Prevention Week campaign will work to promote tips, guidelines, and recommendations that can help significantly reduce the risk of having a cooking fire.”

Several cooking safety messages support this year’s theme. These include close monitoring of cooking activities, especially for foods with longer cooking times. Setting a timer can aid in careful observation.

Clearing the cooking area of combustible items is crucial. Items that can burn, like dish towels, oven mitts, food packaging, and paper towels, should be kept away.

Moreover, turning pot handles towards the back of the stove and keeping a lid nearby is recommended.

In case a small grease fire starts, sliding the lid over the pan and turning off the burner can help.

Finally, creating a “kid and pet free zone” of at least one meter around the cooking area and other areas where hot food or drink is prepared or carried, is advised.

Fire Prevention Week is commemorated throughout North America every October. Being the oldest public health observance on record in the U.S., this year marks its 101st year.

Fire Prevention Week aims to educate people about the leading risks of home fires and the ways they can better protect themselves and their loved ones.

Local fire departments, schools, and community organisations play an instrumental role in enlivening Fire Prevention Week in their communities each year and disseminating crucial fire safety messages.

To learn more about Fire Prevention Week and this year’s theme, please visit the official site. Additional resources for children, caregivers, and educators can be found here http://www.sparkyschoolhouse.organd here.

IFSJ Comment

This year’s theme underscores the importance of maintaining cooking safety to prevent home fires. It serves as a reminder of the potential dangers posed by everyday activities like cooking.

Fire Prevention Week is an opportunity to renew our commitment to fire safety and prevention and share this vital information with our communities.