As Fire Prevention Week™ approaches, Cherokee Springs Fire Department reminds residents:

“Serve Up Fire Safety in the Kitchen!™

October 4, 2020 – The Cherokee Springs Fire Department is teaming up with the National Fire Protection Association® (NFPA®) — the official sponsor of Fire Prevention Week for more than 90 years —to promote this year’s Fire Prevention Week campaign, “Serve Up Fire Safety in the Kitchen!” The campaign works to educate everyone about  simple but important actions they can take to keep themselves and those around them safe.  

According to NFPA, cooking is the leading cause of home fires and home fire injuries in the United States. Almost half (44%) of reported home fires started in the kitchen. Two-thirds (66%) of home cooking fires start with the ignition of food or other cooking materials.

“We know cooking fires can be prevented,” said Lorraine Carli, NFPA’s vice-president of outreach and advocacy. “Staying in the kitchen, using a timer, and avoiding distractions such as electronics or TV are steps everyone can take to keep families safe in their homes.”

 The Cherokee Springs Fire Department encourages all residents to embrace the 2020 Fire Prevention Week theme.

“The most important step you should take before making a meal is to “Serve Up Fire Safety in the Kitchen!” said Captain John Alley. “A cooking fire can grow quickly. I have seen many homes damaged and people injured by fires that could easily have been prevented.”

Cherokee Springs Fire Department wants to share safety tips to keep you from having a cooking fire.

• Never leave cooking food unattended. Stay in the kitchen while you are frying, grilling or broiling. If you have to leave, even for a short time, turn off the stove.
• If you are simmering, baking, roasting, or boiling food, check it regularly, remain in the home while food is cooking, and use a timer to remind you that you’re cooking.
• You have to be alert when cooking. You won’t be alert if you are sleepy, have taken medicine or drugs, or consumed alcohol that makes you drowsy.
• Always keep an oven mitt and pan lid nearby when you’re cooking. If a small grease fire starts, slide the lid over the pan to smother the flame. Turn off the burner, and leave the pan covered until it is completely cool.
• Have a “kid-free zone” of at least 3 feet around the stove and areas where hot food or drink is prepared or carried.

For more general information about Fire Prevention Week and cooking fire prevention, visit www.fpw.org.

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Public Notice Effective May 21, 2020:

Cherokee Springs Fire Department is moving forward with the reopening of its station to public access with some restrictions. The Cherokee Springs Fire Department will allow community members and guest to enter the facility after we have met with you at the front door. We ask that if you have any of the following symptoms or have had them in the past two weeks,  that you please remain outside the facility:

• Fever over 100.4 Fahrenheit
• Difficulty Breathing/ Shortness of Breath
• Cough
• Sore Throat
• Body aches
• Tiredness

We are still in the process of daily cleaning and protection of our employees from the effects of COVID-19 and ask that you assist us with this process by performing the following measures:

• Handwashing/sanitizing
• Wearing a facemask if asked
• Limit the areas that you expose by reducing the items/areas that you visit

Thank you for being understanding during this difficult time. We appreciate you assisting us protecting our employees and the community that we serve by following the posted guidelines.

Respectfully, 

Trent Harper
Fire Chief
Cherokee Springs Fire Department
 

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Source: ISRI
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SMOKE ALARMS SAVE LIVES

Smoke alarms are a key part of a home fire escape plan. When there is a fire, smoke spreads fast. Working smoke alarms give you early warning so you can get outside quickly.
 

FACTS

SAFETY TIPS

• Install smoke alarms in every bedroom. They should also be outside each sleeping area and on every level of the home. Install alarms in the basement.
• Large homes may need extra smoke alarms. • It is best to use interconnected smoke alarms. When one smoke alarm sounds, they all sound. • Test all smoke alarms at least once a month. Press the test button to be sure the alarm is working.
• Current alarms on the market employ different types of technology including multi-sensing, which could include smoke and carbon monoxide combined.
• Today’s smoke alarms will be more technologically advanced to respond to a multitude of fire conditions, yet mitigate false alarms.
• A smoke alarm should be on the ceiling or high on a wall. Keep smoke alarms away from the kitchen to reduce false alarms. They should be at least 10 feet (3 meters) from the stove.
• People who are hard-of-hearing or deaf can use special alarms. These alarms have strobe lights and bed shakers.
• Replace all smoke alarms when they are 10 years old.

SOURCE: NFPA