Fargo Fire Department encourages people to participate in National Fire Prevention Week

(Fargo, ND) -- The Fargo Fire Department is participating in a nationwide campaign to educate people about fire prevention.

The department says education on fire safety is important because it will allow for people to take actions that can directly save lives. The Fire Department says the following safety tips are important to reducing the risk of a cooking fire. 

• Watch what you heat. Always keep a close eye on what you are cooking. Set a timer to remind you that you are cooking.
• Turn pot handles toward the back of the stove. Always keep a lid nearby when cooking. If a small grease fire starts, slide the lid over the pan and turn off the burner.
• Have a “kid- and pet-free zone” of at least 3 feet (1 meter) around the stove or grill and anywhere else hot food or drink is prepared or carried.

“Year after year, cooking remains the leading cause of home fires by far, accounting for half (49%) of all U.S. home fires,” said Lorraine Carli, vice president of outreach and advocacy at NFPA. “These numbers tell us that there is still much work to do when it comes to better educating the public about ways to stay safe when cooking.”

You can find more about and participate in Fire Prevention Week by clicking here.