2020 Fire Prevention Week Theme

Serve Up Fire Safety in the Kitchen!

Fire Prevention Week

Fire Prevention Week 2020 is Oct. 4-10, and firefighters across the country are encouraging everyone to practice safe cooking in the kitchen. Cooking is the leading cause of home fires in the United States. Two of every five home fires start in the kitchen. Practice safe kitchen cooking by:

1. Never leave your cooking unattended. Stay in the kitchen and check your food regularly.
2. Move anything that can burn away from any hot cooking surfaces to avoid catching items on fire.
3. Set a timer to avoid burning food.
4. Keep pets and children out of the kitchen while cooking.
5. Keep a lid nearby. If a fire starts in your pan, put the lid over top and turn off the burner.
6. Test your smoke alarms! Working smoke alarms save lives! 

If a fire occurs in the kitchen, or anywhere in your home, get outside and dial 9-1-1. Do not re-enter your home until firefighters say it's OK! 

Safety Activities

Age appropriate ideas for kids helping in the kitchen (PDF)
Serve up Fire Safety in the Kitchen coloring sheet (PDF)
Family Cooking Safety Checklist (PDF)
Cooking with Kids Recipes (PDF)
Hot or Not Sorting Game (PDF)

If a fire occurs in your home, you should know how to exit quickly. Use this Home Fire Escape Plan (PDF) to plan and practice! In the event of a fire, you and your family will know how to safely exit your home. 

Fire Prevention Week History

The National Fire Protection Association annually honors Fire Prevention Week near Oct. 9, which is the anniversary of the 1871 Great Chicago Fire. The fire killed about 300 people and left more than 100,000 residents homeless, so Fire Marshal Association started the commemorative week to prevent future fires.