Oct 8: West Deptford Fire Department Hosts Fire Safety Day

WEST DEPTFORD — West Deptford Fire Department promotes the 2023 Fire Prevention Week Theme, “Cooking safety starts with YOU. Pay attention to fire prevention.” by hosting a Fire Safety Day on Sunday, October 8. The event runs from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. at the department’s North Station, 1415 Crown Point Rd., Westville, New Jersey.

“The fire department invites everyone in the community to join us for a day full of family-friendly fun, while also learning critical fire safety knowledge,” said West Deptford Fire Department Chief David Raso.

At the event, members of the community can meet their local firefighters, watch live demonstrations such as vehicle rescue, enjoy free refreshments and learn more about volunteering with the fire department. The firefighters will share cooking safety tips considering this year’s fire prevention theme.

Cooking, although essential, can be a relaxing way to unwind and take one’s mind off the daily stressors. Preparing a meal, however, is one of the most dangerous things that homeowners can do, if the correct steps aren’t taken. Cooking is the leading cause of household fires in the U.S. by a landslide, accounting for 49% of all home fires.

According to NFPA, stovetops account for roughly 60% of reported home fires involving cooking equipment, with ovens accounting for 13%. More than half of civilians injured in home fires involving cooking equipment were hurt while attempting to put out the fire themselves. These data points indicate that there is still a significant amount of work to be done to properly educate the public on safe cooking practices.

The NFPA provides these key safety tips to help reduce 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 “kids-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.

Cooking fires can occur in the blink of an eye, and the community counts on the volunteers of West Deptford Fire Department to keep them safe. Volunteers receive all the necessary training and gear they need to respond to emergency calls, at no cost to them. Those interested can volunteer as a firefighter, junior firefighter or fire police. To learn more about the ways to volunteer with the fire department or sign up, visit: www.WestDeptfordFirefighter.org