Newsroom
For Immediate Release
Wednesday, September 27, 2006
Contact: Tom Polera 703-228-45644 (voice) 703-228-4743(TTY)
Arlington County Fire Department Reminds Residents to “Watch What You Heat”
ARLINGTON, Va—It's time for Fire Prevention Week, and from October 8-14 the Arlington County Fire Department is joining forces with the nonprofit National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) to remind local residents to "Prevent Cooking Fires: Watch What You Heat."
During this year's fire safety campaign, firefighters and safety advocates will be spreading the word about the dangers of cooking fires -- most of which result from unattended cooking -- and teaching local residents how to prevent cooking fires.
According to the latest NFPA research, cooking is the leading cause of home fires. One out of three home fires begins in the kitchen -- more than any other place in the home. Cooking fires are also the leading cause of home fire-related injuries.
"Often when we're called to a fire that started in the kitchen, the residents tell us that they only left the kitchen for a few minutes," said Captain Tom Polera, Public Information Officer. "Sadly, that's all it takes for a dangerous fire to start. We hope that Fire Prevention Week will help us reach folks in the community before they've suffered a damaging lesson."
All County Fire Stations will hold an OPEN HOUSE on October 14, 2006 from 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. There will be activities for the whole family including safety presentations and demonstrations. Stop by and meet “Sparky” the fire dog. For more information contact Arlington County Fire Prevention at 703-228-4649 or go to the Fire Department Web site to find the fire station nearest to you.
Kitchen Fire Safety Tips:
- Stay in the kitchen when you are frying, grilling, broiling, or boiling food.
- If you must leave the room, even for a short period of time, turn off the stove.
- When you are simmering, baking, or roasting food, check it regularly, stay in the home, and use a timer to remind you.
- If you have young children, use the stove’s back burners whenever possible. Keep children and pets at least three feet away from the stove.
- When you cook, wear clothing with tight-fitting sleeves.
- Keep potholders, oven mitts, wooden utensils, paper and plastic bags, towels, and other combustibles, away from your stovetop.
- Clean food and grease from burners and stovetops regularly.
This is the 85th year that fire departments have observed Fire Prevention Week, making it the longest running public health and safety observance on record.
Arlington, Va., is a world-class residential, business and tourist location that was originally part of the "10 miles square" parcel of land surveyed in 1791 to be the Nation's Capital. It is the geographically smallest self-governing county in the United States, occupying slightly less than 26 square miles. Arlington maintains a rich variety of stable neighborhoods, quality schools and enlightened land use, and received the Environmental Protection Agency's highest award for "Smart Growth" in 2002. Home to some of the most influential organizations in the world - including the Pentagon - Arlington stands out as one of America's preeminent places to live, visit and do business.
