HANSCOM AIR FORCE BASE, Mass. -- Base officials will host Fire Prevention Week events here Oct. 10 through 14 to promote this year’s National Fire Protection Association theme, “Cooking safety starts with YOU. Pay attention to fire prevention™.”
The theme seeks to educate individuals about simple but important actions they can take to keep themselves and those around them safe when cooking.
“A cooking fire can escalate rapidly, causing significant damage to homes and harm to individuals when simple preventive measures could have averted such incidents,” said Lt. Casey Videtto, Hanscom AFB fire inspector.
To enhance cooking safety awareness, the Hanscom AFB Fire Department provides these crucial tips:
- Avoid distractions while cooking. Set timers as reminders.
- Position pot handles toward the back of the stove and keep a lid nearby. If a grease fire occurs, swiftly cover the pan with the lid and turn off the burner.
- Create a kid- and pet-free zone of at least three feet around a stove, grill, or any area where hot food or beverages are prepared.
Throughout Fire Prevention Week, the Hanscom Fire Department, along with Sparky the Fire Dog, will visit the installation schools to provide safety tips to children.
“The Hanscom Air Force Base Fire Prevention team will be at the Hanscom Primary and Middle Schools to educate, prepare and protect base children from the effects of fire,” said Videtto.
Officials will also share important fire prevention information with shoppers at the Base Exchange complex Oct. 12 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
For more general information about Fire Prevention Week and cooking safety, visit www.fpw.org. For fire safety fun for kids, visit www.sparky.org.