Several exciting events and activities planned for Fire Prevention Week

St. Marys firefighters spread the message of “COOKING SAFETY STARTS WITH YOU”

Fire Prevention Week runs from October 8 to 14 and the St. Marys Fire Department is sending the important message of “Cooking Safety Starts with You. Pay attention to fire prevention”.

“This year’s focus is cooking safety” says Fire Chief Richard “Andy” Anderson. “Our goal is to educate the public about simple but important steps they can take to help reduce the risk of fires when cooking at home, keeping themselves and those around them safe.”

According to National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), cooking is the leading cause of home fires, with nearly half (49 percent) of all home fires involving cooking equipment; cooking is also the leading cause of home fire injuries. Unattended cooking is the leading cause of home cooking fires and related deaths.

“The St. Marys Fire Department wants our citizens to be more aware of when and where cooking hazards exist, along with ways to prevent them,” said Fire Chief Richard “Andy” Anderson. “This year’s Fire Prevention Week campaign will work to promote tips, guidelines, and recommendations that can help significantly reduce the risk of having a cooking fire.”

The following are important cooking safety rules that everyone should follow:

• 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 help monitor them carefully.
• Clear the cooking area of combustible items and keep 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.

The St. Marys Fire Department has organized a variety of events and activities for Fire Prevention Week:

October 12: Sparky Visit and Swag Bag Booth
Stop by Your Independent Grocer St. Marys from approximately 10:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. and get a reusable St. Marys Fire Department bag (with important fire safety information and swag). Meet firefighters, see Sparky and get a photo with one of the St. Marys fire trucks!

October 14: St. Marys Fire Department Open House

Members of the St. Marys Fire Department are excited to host the entire community for an open house event. Firefighters will open the doors from 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. Enjoy station tours, fire truck and equipment demonstrations, new inflatable fire safety house, fire prevention display, the Stratford Police, Community Outreach "I’ve Got Your Back 911", three delicious food vendors (Campbells Catering, Donut Diva and Pierogi Queen), refreshments and a chance to meet the local firefighters and Sparky too!

For more information on Fire Prevention Week 2023, visit the Town’s website (townofstmarys.com/firepreventionweek), Facebook page (facebook.com/stmarysontario) and Twitter account (twitter.com/townofstmarys).

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For media inquiries:
Richard “Andy” Anderson, Director of Emergency Services/Fire Chief
519-284-2340, ext. 201 | randerson@town.stmarys.on.ca