East Meadow FD Serves Up Fire Safety in the Kitchen

Although the East Meadow Fire Department was unable to have its annual open house this year due to COVID-19 restrictions, it recognized Fire Prevention Week with several activities, including demonstrating how to deal with a kitchen fire on News12 Long Island. The news segment, which appeared on October 6th, was in keeping with this year’s National Fire Prevention week theme to “Serve Up Fire Safety in the Kitchen!™” The campaign’s goal is to educate residents about actions they can take to keep themselves and those around them safe in the kitchen.

Cooking is the leading cause of home fires and home fire injuries in the United States, according to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), and Thanksgiving is the number-one day for fires involving cooking. Nearly half (44 percent) of reported home fires start in the kitchen, and two-thirds (66 percent) of home cooking fires start with food or other cooking materials, such as oil and grease, catching fire.

“Kitchen fires as a result of cooking can often be prevented,” said Commissioner Carey A. Welt, who, along with EMFD Fire Inspector and Ex-Chief James Kane, conducted a live-fire demonstration on News12. “Avoiding distractions, staying in the kitchen while food is cooking, and knowing what to do in case of a fire are among the most important things you can do to stay safe in the event of a fire.”

Among other fire safety initiatives for Fire Prevention Week, which ran from October 4th through October 10th, includes a section on kitchen fire safety in the upcoming edition of the East Meadow Fire District newsletter, and teaming up with the East Meadow Kiwanis Club and the Chamber of Commerce distributing backpacks to local school children. The EMFD donated pencil cases containing pens, pencils, highlighters, and fire safety-related materials. Commissioner Welt also advises residents to visit the EMFD website (www.eastemeadowfd.com) and click on the fire prevention and safety information links for essential fire and home safety tips. More information about the East Meadow Fire Department, including volunteer opportunities, can also be found on the website.