Fire Prevention Tips

Published on October 12, 2023

As we begin the month of October, we are aware of some things that happen every year.  The weather begins to cool, families prepare for Halloween, and the Tampa Rays are usually in the postseason.  Another reliable indicator of the arrival of October is Fire Prevention Week during Fire Prevention Month. 

During this week, there are a few things we at the Fire Department would like you to think about.  Remember that fire prevention is a part of overall community risk reduction.  The key word here is community.  The members of the fire prevention division help educate the community about risks.  The members who staff the rigs respond to mitigate the risk when something has happened.  But in between identifying the risk and responding to the risk, you, the community can play an important role in making our city safer for each other and ourselves.  The greatest risks in the community presently is fires that start from cooking. Here are some tips to help reduce risks in your home.  Remember that every tragedy averted improves the quality of life for all and enhances the community as a whole.

1. Stay in the kitchen when frying food!
   • If you leave the kitchen, even for a short time, turn off the burner. Use a timer when cooking.  If you are cooking on the stovetop and leave the room, take a timer, oven mitt, or wooden spoon as a reminder that you have something cooking. If a pan of food catches fire, slide a lid over it and turn off the burner. Don’t cook if you are drowsy from alcohol or medication. Do not cook when taking new medication until you know how it will affect you. Wear tight-fitting or short sleeves when cooking. Use oven mitts to handle hot pans. Use lightweight manageable pans.
2. If your clothes catch fire, Stop, Drop, and Roll!
   • Stop (don’t run), drop gently to the ground, and cover your face with your hands. Roll

     over and over or back and forth to put out the fire.

3. Fire extinguishers work!!
   • Have a working fire extinguisher in a handy location near or in the kitchen.  These are available for minimal costs at local hardware stores.  Be sure to read all operating instructions and make it a habit to check that your extinguisher is in good working condition.  Replace immediately any extinguishers that are past their expiration date or are showing that they are no longer serviceable on their operating gauges.  Please check with Solid Waste as to the most appropriate way to dispose of old fire extinguishers.