| According to NFPA:
🔥 Cooking is the leading cause of home fires and injuries in the U.S.
• Nearly 49% of all reported home fires involve cooking equipment.
• Over 29% of cooking fires and half of associated deaths are caused by unattended cooking.
🕯️ Candles also pose a serious risk.
• Nearly 6,000 candle fires are reported annually.
• Over half start because something flammable was too close to the flame.
• 21% involve candles left unattended.
• 36% begin in the bedroom.
🍳 Cooking Safety Tips
• Stay in the kitchen when boiling, frying, grilling, or broiling.
• Turn off the stove if you leave the room — even briefly.
• When baking or simmering, check food regularly and use a timer.
• Keep anything flammable (oven mitts, towels, wooden utensils) away from the stovetop.
• Keep a lid nearby — if a small grease fire starts, slide the lid over the pan and turn off the burner.
• For an oven fire, turn off the heat and keep the door closed.
• Create a 3-foot “kid and pet-free zone” around the stove and hot food areas.
🕯️ Candle Safety Tips
✔ Consider using battery-operated flameless candles as a safer alternative.
If using real candles:
• Keep candles at least 12 inches away from anything flammable.
• Never leave a burning candle unattended.
• Blow out candles before leaving the room or going to sleep.
• Avoid using candles in bedrooms.
• Place candles on sturdy, uncluttered surfaces.
• Use stable candle holders that won’t tip.
• Extinguish candles before they burn too low.
• Keep loose clothing and hair away from flames.
• Store matches and candles out of reach of children.
❤️ A romantic evening should create memories — not emergencies.
Your volunteers at the Connoquenessing Volunteer Fire Company are always ready to respond, but we encourage everyone to take simple precautions to keep your celebration safe.
As always, in an emergency, dial 911.
Stay safe and enjoy your Valentine’s Day! ❤️🚒 |
