Gilbert Fire & Rescue Department gives cooking fire prevention tips

 Gilbert Fire & Rescue Department is joining departments around the nation in promoting Cooking Safety this Fire Prevention Week, Oct. 8-14.

The leading cause of kitchen fires is unattended cooking. Once a fire starts, it can spread quickly through a home so it is important to have working smoke alarms and a plan in place for evacuation.

The department advises residents to follow these tips .

Cook With Caution

• Be on alert! If you are sleepy or have consumed alcohol don’t use the stove or stovetop.
• Stay in the kitchen while you are frying, boiling, grilling, or broiling food. If you leave the kitchen for even a short period of time, turn off the stove.
• If you are simmering, baking, or roasting food, check it regularly, remain in the home while food is cooking, and use a timer to remind you that you are cooking.
• Keep anything that can catch fire — oven mitts, wooden utensils, food packaging, towels or curtains — away from your stovetop.

Small Grease Cooking Fires

• On the stovetop, smother the flames by sliding a lid over the pan and turning off the burner. Leave the pan covered until it is completely cooled.
• For an oven fire, turn off the heat and keep the door closed.

Smoke Alarm Best Practices

Smoke alarms are vital to home safety.

You should have a smoke alarm in every bedroom, outside sleeping areas and on every level of your home. Do not put smoke alarms in kitchens or bathrooms.

More Smoke Alarm Tips

• All smoke detectors/alarms must be replaced after 10 years. 
• Smoke alarms should be cleaned twice a year and tested once a month. 
• Chirping that continues after the battery has been replaced means the alarm is at the end of its life and the unit must be replaced. 
• Make sure your smoke and carbon monoxide (CO) alarms meet the needs of all your family members, including those with sensory or physical disabilities. 

If a resident is not sure if your smoke alarm is functioning properly, Gilbert Fire & Rescue offers a new service to assist residents with installing and maintaining their smoke detectors. Learn more.

Those interested in finding additional tips on fire prevention, smoke alarms, including how to clean a smoke alarm, can do so at gilbertaz.gov/FirePrevention.

For more information on Fire Prevention Week is available by visiting fpw.org.