Bucks Co. Firefighters To Stress Cooking Safety At Open House Events

BUCKS COUNTY, PA — Central Bucks County firefighters will be raising fire prevention awareness at free open house events during the month of October.

This year’s Fire Prevention Month theme, “Cooking Safety Starts With YOU. Pay Attention to Fire Prevention!” focuses on cooking safety and works to educate the public about simple but important steps they can take to help reduce the risk of fire when cooking at home.

The following are some of the free events taking place in Central Bucks:

• Chalfont Fire Company, 301 North Main Street, invites the public to a fire prevention open house on Thursday, October 12 from 7 to 9 p.m. Visitors are invited tour the firehouse, meet Chalfont’s firefighters, check out the fire trucks, and take home fire prevention information and related giveaways.
• Doylestown Fire Company No. 1, 68 Shewell Avenue, Doylestown, will host a fire prevention open house on Sunday, Oct. 15 from 1 to 4 p.m. The event will feature a scavenger hunt around the firehouse and a party to celebrate the 100th birthday of the Aherns Fox Fire Truck. Also featured will be lessons on stop, drop and roll; a chance for kids and adults to use a hose line to extinguish a pretend fire; and an opportunity to greet the firefighters. You can also learn about becoming a volunteer member of the fire service.
• Dublin Volunteer Fire Company, 194 North Main Street, will hold a fire prevention open house on Thursday, Oct. 12 from 6 to 8 p.m. The public is invited to tour the firehouse and trucks, learn and practice fire safety, participate in hands-on activities and enjoy light refreshments.
• The Lingohocken Fire Company will hold a Pizza and Prevention Night on Friday, Oct. 13 from 6 to 9 p.m. The night will include pizza, Goodnoe Ice Cream, a meet and greet with police and firefighters, fire truck tours, fire safety information, giveaways, a live fire demonstration, and a chance for kids to use a fire hose.
• The Upper Makefield Fire Company invites the public to a fire prevention open house on Friday, Oct. 13 from 6 to 8:30 p.m. Stop by the firehouse at 1221 Taylorsville Road in Washington Crossing, grab a snack, meet the firefighters, Upper Makefield Police, Newtown Ambulance and see the equipment, all while learning about emergency services and fire prevention.
• Warwick Township Fire Company, 2390 York Road, Jamison, will hold a fire prevention open house on Friday, Oct. 13 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. The free family friendly community event will focus on fire safety. Participants can watch demonstrations, tour apparatus on display, meet firefighters, and learn how to get involved with the local fire company. In addition, kids who show up in costume will receive some delicious Halloween treats.

Home cooking fire safety tips:

• Always keep a close eye on what you’re cooking. For foods with longer cook times, such as those that are simmering or baking, set a timer to monitor them carefully.
• Clear the cooking area of combustible items including anything that can burn such as dish towels, oven mitts, food packaging, and paper towels.
• Turn pot handles toward the back of the stove. Keep a lid nearby when cooking. If a small grease fire starts, slide the lid over the pan and turn off the burner.
• Create a “kid and pet free zone” of at least three feet (one meter) around the cooking area and anywhere else hot food or drink is prepared or carried.