During Fire Prevention Week (October 8-14), the American Red Cross Southeastern Pennsylvania Region reminds everyone that cooking is the leading cause of home fires and issues safety steps to follow to help avoid one of these blazes.  

“The top reason for cooking fires is someone leaving the stove unattended while cooking,” said Jennifer Graham, newly appointed CEO for the American Red Cross of Southeastern Pennsylvania.   

“Cooking brings family and friends together, but this normal, everyday activity can also lead to disaster,” said Graham. “In fact, cooking is the leading cause of home fires in the U.S. To help keep your loved ones safe, it’s important to stay in the kitchen while you’re cooking.” 

Follow these 10 steps to help stay safe while cooking: 

1. If you are frying, grilling or broiling food, never leave it unattended — stay in the kitchen. If you leave the kitchen for even a short period of time, turn off the stove. 
2. Don’t wear loose clothing or sleeves that dangle while cooking. 
3. If you’re simmering, baking, roasting or broiling food, check it regularly. 
4. Use a timer to remind yourself that the stove or oven is on. 
5. Keep kids and pets away from the cooking area. Make them stay at least three feet away from the stove. 
6. Keep anything that can catch fire — potholders, oven mitts, wooden utensils, paper or plastic bags, food packaging, towels or curtains — away from your stove, oven or any other appliance in the kitchen that generates heat. 
7. Clean cooking surfaces on a regular basis to prevent grease buildup. 
8. Consider purchasing a fire extinguisher to keep in your kitchen. Contact your local fire department to take training on the proper use of extinguishers. 
9. Always check the kitchen before going to bed or leaving the home to make sure all stoves, ovens and small appliances are turned off. 
10. Install a smoke alarm near your kitchen, on each level of your home, near sleeping areas and inside and outside bedrooms if you sleep with doors closed. Use the test button to check it each month. Replace all batteries at least once a year if your smoke alarm requires it. 

If you cannot afford to purchase smoke alarms or are physically unable to install one, the Red Cross can help with installing free alarms. Contact the Red Cross in Philadelphia, Bucks, Chester, Delaware and Montgomery counties by calling 215-299-4029 or by visiting this website. In Philadelphia, city residents can also call 3-1-1 to connect with the Philadelphia Fire Department about free smoke alarms. 

Download the Red Cross First Aid app for quick, expert advice on what to do in case of an emergency. Find all of the Red Cross apps in smartphone app stores by searching for the American Red Cross or going to redcross.org/apps. 

HOME FIRE CAMPAIGN SAVE LIVES

Since October 2014, the Red Cross Home Fire Campaign, working with community partners, has saved at least 1,928 lives nationwide by educating families about fire safety, helping them create escape plans and installing free smoke alarms. More than two dozen lives have been saved in Southeastern Pennsylvania. To learn more about the campaign and how you can get involved, visit redcross.org/homefires.