With festive season upon us, Chatham-Kent Fire & Emergency Services (CKFES) is reminding residents that careless cooking is the number one cause of fires during the holidays.
“When spending time with family and friends it’s easy to get distracted while cooking. We recommend you always stay in the kitchen and pay attention to your cooking – especially if using oil or high temperatures,” explains Whitney Burk, Public Educator. “If a pot catches fire and it’s safe to do so, carefully slide a tight-fitting lid over the pot to smother the flames and then turn off the heat.”
CKFES also is reminding everyone about the law requiring working smoke alarms on every storey of the home and outside all sleeping areas. Homes with fuel-burning appliance, a fireplace or an attached garage also require a working carbon monoxide alarm near all sleeping areas.
“We are providing CHiRP checks during the holiday season,” says Burk. “We had a father call in and request a check for his son; who just recently moved into his first home; as a Christmas gift.”
Take a few minutes to test alarms and check the manufacturing date. If the alarm is over 10 years old, it needs to be replaced. Make sure everyone in the home knows exactly what to do if the alarm goes off and share fire safety plans with guest that are spending the night.
To request a CHiRP check contact CKFES at 519-360-1998 or email ckfire@chatham-kent.ca
