Beverly Hills, CA (September 29, 2020) – The Beverly Hills Fire Department (BHFD) is partnering with the National Fire Protection Association® (NFPA®) — the official sponsor of Fire Prevention Week for more than 90 years — to promote this year’s Fire Prevention Week campaign, “Serve Up Fire Safety in the Kitchen!™” The campaign works to educate members of the community about important actions they can take to keep themselves and those around them safe when it comes to home fire prevention. 

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 begin in the kitchen. Two-thirds (66%) of home cooking fires start with the ignition of food or other cooking materials.

The BHFD encourages all residents to embrace the 2020 Fire Prevention Week theme.

The BHFD reminds residents to follow these 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.

• Remain alert while cooking at all times.

• Always keep an oven mitt and pan lid nearby when 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.

• Create a “kid-free zone” of at least three feet around the stove and areas where hot food or drink is prepared or carried.

For additional information, visit nfpa.org or contact the Beverly Hills Fire Department at (310) 281-2700.  

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