FRANKFORT, Ind – Frankfort Mayor Judy Sheets issued a proclamation Monday, October 5, declaring the week of October 5 through 9 fire prevention week in Frankfort.
Mayor Sheets shared why she wanted to recognize the week as fire prevention week given the restrictions still in place for COVID-19. “I think it is so important to get the message out to our citizens – particularly the schools,” said Mayor Sheets. “I thought it was important that we do something to still recognize that it is fire prevention week and that out firefighters are still there to be able to give information out.”
This year’s campaign is “Serve Up Fire Safety in the Kitchen!” and the National Fire Protection Association® (NFPA®) is the official sponsor of Fire Prevention Week, something they have done for more than 90 years.
“We’ve never had a proclamation read for fire prevention week,” said Frankfort Fire Department Chief John Kirby. “We reach over 3,000 kids every year just in the week of fire prevention week – this year it is through the week of the 5th through the 9th.”
Given the COVID-19 restrictions, Chief Kirby said the department had to come up with some creative ways to reach the children in Frankfort schools.
“Unfortunately through COVID, we are unable to get into the schools like we have in the past and actually congregate with the kids and different classes and talk to them about fire prevention. So, this year we’re doing it kind of different.
“We have to be a bit more creative to get the message out this year; pre-K through 2nd grade, we’re doing coloring contests – the kids will be coloring a different fire prevention slogans and pictures. Then our firefighters next week will go through and pick the ones they like and give the winners a gift bag.
“The older kids we’ll pass out the rubber bracelets – all of them have different fire prevention slogans on them. We plan on each school having a fire drill this week. Unfortunately, the middle school and high school are out this week on e-learning, but we still have the grade schools, so we are going to make contact with them and probably have a fire drill.”
Chief Kirby shared the following safety tips to prevent cooking fires:
- Never leave cooking food unattended. Stay in the kitchen while you are frying, grilling or broiling. If you have to leave, even for a short time, turn off the stove.
- If you are simmering, baking, roasting, or boiling food, check it regularly, remain in the home while food is cooking, and use a timer to remind you that you’re cooking.
- You have to be alert when cooking. You won’t be alert if you are sleepy, have taken medicine or drugs, or consumed alcohol that makes you drowsy.
- Always keep an oven mitt and pan lid nearby when you’re cooking. If a small grease fire starts, slide the lid over the pan to smother the flame. Turn off the burner, and leave the pan covered until it is completely cool.
- Have a “kid-free zone” of at least 3 feet around the stove and areas where hot food or drink is prepared or carried.
