Cooking Up Safety: National Fire Prevention Month in Statesville

October is a special month for fire safety across the United States, and Statesville is no exception. As the leaves turn to vibrant shades of red and orange and the temperatures start to drop, National Fire Prevention Month reminds us of the importance of staying vigilant in preventing fires. This year's theme, "Cooking," is particularly relevant as cooking-related fires are among the leading causes of residential fires.

The Importance of National Fire Prevention Month

National Fire Prevention Month is an annual event dedicated to raising awareness about fire safety and prevention. Established to commemorate the Great Chicago Fire of 1871, which claimed hundreds of lives and destroyed thousands of buildings, this month-long observance aims to educate communities about the importance of fire safety and preparedness.

The Cooking Connection

Cooking is an integral part of our daily lives, but it can also be a source of fire hazards if not done safely. Unattended stovetops, faulty equipment, and grease fires are just a few of the potential dangers that can arise in the kitchen.

The Statesville Fire Marshal's Office offers Pre-School, School and Adult Programs to highlight fire safety, how to report an emergency, etc. along with FREE Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarms.

Pre-School Programs: The Statesville Fire Department will bring a Fire Truck to your pre-school and give the children a presentation on truck familiarization, fire safety, what firefighters wear and why, and give out coloring books and many other fun takeaways.

School Programs: The Statesville Fire Department performs numerous Fire Education programs throughout the year for various age groups and affiliations. Our most structured Fire Education program is directed at the 4th grade students in public and private schools throughout the city. Well over 1,000 students are involved in this program year to year. We meet with each class for 1 hour each month throughout the school year. Some of the topics in our lesson plans include: Stop, Drop, and Roll; E.D.I.T.H (Exit Drills In The Home); Holiday Fire Safety; How to Report an Emergency; Chemistry of Fire.

Adult Programs: The Statesville Fire Department offers training in both the private and public sectors. We offer both Fire Extinguisher and CPR training to businesses or groups within the city. The Fire Extinguisher training can be either live fire or simulation. We offer the Remembering When program to our older population along with other fire safety programs.

Smoke + Carbon Monoxide Alarms: Did you know if your smoke alarm is older than 10 years, it needs to be replaced? The Statesville Fire Department partners with both The American Red Cross and NC OSFM to offer free smoke and C/O alarms. We will install these alarms and replace batteries in existing alarms free of charge. 

Learn more about Fire Prevention + Public Education from the Statesville Fire Marshal's Office here.

Preventing Cooking-Related Fires

Here are some tips to help residents of Statesville and beyond prevent cooking-related fires:

1. Never leave cooking unattended: Stay in the kitchen while cooking to monitor food and prevent accidents.

2. Keep flammable items away: Keep dish towels, paper towels, and oven mitts away from hot surfaces and open flames.

3. Check smoke detectors: Regularly test your smoke detectors and replace their batteries at least once a year.

4. Install a fire extinguisher: Keep a fire extinguisher in the kitchen and know how to use it in case of a small fire.

5. Dress appropriately: Wear short or close-fitting sleeves when cooking to prevent clothing from catching fire.

National Fire Prevention Month in Statesville is a time for the community to come together and prioritize fire safety, with a particular focus on cooking-related fire hazards. By spreading awareness, conducting educational programs, and promoting safe cooking practices, the City aims to reduce the risk of kitchen fires and ensure the safety of its residents. Remember, cooking can be enjoyable and safe as long as we stay informed and take precautions to prevent fires in our homes. Let's cook up safety together in Statesville this October and beyond!