Gadsden County Fire Rescue Services to distribute fire alarms

The Gadsden County Fire Rescue Services is partnering with local fire departments during the 101st Fire Prevention Week to emphasize the importance of cooking and kitchen fire safety. Cooking is the leading cause of home fire injuries and nearly half of all home fires.

“Our goal is not just to respond to disasters but to prevent them. By taking simple precautions, every Gadsden Countian can help reduce the number of kitchen fires, ensuring a safer community,” Fire Rescue Services Chief Andre Walker said. “The kitchen is where we gather for meals and create lasting memories, but it can also be a potential danger zone. We’re committed to making every Gadsden County kitchen a safe zone. Remember, fire safety starts at home and starts with you.”

Free smoke alarms and fire safety education available

Through Saturday, October 14, 2023, Gadsden County residents seeking fire prevention assistance can schedule a free smoke alarm installation appointment via phone at (850) 510-6793 or by email at awalker@gadsdencountyfl.gov. During the home visit, Fire Services will also share information on preventing home fires, what to do if a fire starts, and how to create an escape plan.

Nationwide, fire departments respond to over 170,000 home fires caused by cooking yearly. The National Fire Protection Association states the primary cause of these fires is unattended stoves during cooking. These fires result in hundreds of deaths, injuries, and over $1 billion in damages annually.

Gadsden County Fire Rescue Services offers the following kitchen cooking and fire safety tips:

To prevent a cooking fire in your kitchen:

Monitor your cooking; unattended cooking is the leading cause of cooking fires. Wear short or close-fitting sleeves to prevent loose clothing from catching fire. Regularly clean cooking surfaces to prevent food and grease buildup. Keep curtains, towels, potholders, solvents and flammable cleaners away from the stove. Never store gasoline indoors. Turn pan handles inward to prevent spills.

To put out a cooking fire in your kitchen:

Call 911 immediately. For grease or oil fires, smother flames by sliding a pan lid over them, turn off the heat, and leave the lid on until the pan cools. Do not carry the pan outside.

Use baking soda to extinguish other food fires, but never use water or flour.

Smother the fire with a wet towel or other large wet cloth.

Keep a fire extinguisher in the kitchen and know how to use it correctly.

“Contact the Red Cross of Southern Nevada if you can’t afford a smoke alarm or are physically unable to install one or check its batteries. We may be able to assist,” Flanigan said. “Fire Prevention Week serves as a significant reminder to practice your two-minute home fire escape drill and test your smoke alarms.”

Gadsden County News Service

Gadsden County Fire Rescue Services to distribute fire alarms

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Gadsden County Fire Rescue Services to distribute fire alarms

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