National Public Health Week

About National Public Health Week (NPHW) 

The first full week of April was declared National Public Health Week in 1995. The goal is to recognize the contributions of public health and highlight issues that are important to improving our nation.
  
The American Public Health Association (APHA) serves as the organizer of NPHW and develops a national campaign to educate the public, policymakers, and practitioners about issues related to each year's theme. APHA creates new NPHW materials each year that can be used during and after NPHW to raise awareness about public health and prevention.

Fire Prevention Week Fire Prevention in the Kitchen

National Fire Protection Association (NFPA)

The mission of the international nonprofit NFPA, established in 1896, is to reduce the worldwide burden of fire and other hazards on the quality of life by providing and advocating consensus codes and standards, research, training, and education.
 
NFPA is the world's leading advocate of fire prevention and an authoritative source on public safety. The association develops, publishes, and disseminates more than 300 consensus codes and standards intended to minimize the possibility and effects of fire and other risks.

Cooking Fire Prevention

1. The leading cause of fires in the kitchen is:

a. burnt toast.

b. unattended cooking.

c. oven fires.

d. microwave oven fires

2. When young children are present:

a. use the stove's front burners so you can reach them faster.

b. use the stove's back burners.

c. have children sit quietly on the floor so they can't reach the stove.

d. have children stand behind you when you are using the stove.

3. Spilled food and grease from burners, stovetops and oven should be:

a. cleaned up to prevent a fire.

b. kept to a minimum.

c. covered with paper towels to soak up the grease and food.

d. left to harden.

4. If a small grease fire starts in a pan:

a. use baking powder to put the fire out.

b. smother the flames by carefully sliding the lid over the pan (make sure you are
                wearing an oven mitt). Turn off the burner.

c. pour water on the fire.

d. move the pan to the sink and run water over it.

Answers
1.  b
2.  b
3.  a
4.  b

Reference:  National Fire Protection Association

1. Stay alert. If you've consumed alcohol or taken medication that makes you drowsy - Do not cook. 
2. The leading cause of a fire in the kitchen is unattended cooking. If you leave the kitchen for even a short period of time, turn off the stove. Use a timer to remind you that you’re cooking. 
3. Keep items that can catch fire away from heat sources, such as oven gloves, towels, wood, plastic, etc... Wear short, close-fitting or tightly rolled sleeves when cooking. Loose clothing can catch on fire if it comes in contact with a flame or an electric burner. 
4. Keep the stovetop, burners, and oven clean. 
5. Grease Fire: Always keep a lid nearby when you’re cooking. If a small grease fire starts in a pan, smother the flames by sliding a lid over the pan. Turn off the burner. Do not move the pan or lid until the pan is completely cool. Never pour water on a grease fire. Never discharge a fire extinguisher onto a pan fire; it can spray or shoot burning grease around the kitchen and spread the fire. 
6. Oven Fire. Turn off the heat and keep the door closed until it is cool. The oven should be checked and/or serviced before using it again. 
7. When in doubt, just get out! Make sure you close the door behind you to help contain the fire. After you leave, call 911 and meet at your designated meeting place. 
8. Only use a fire extinguisher if you are trained. 
9. Create a safe area for children and pets. At least 3 feet from the stove and areas where hot food or drink is prepared or served. Never hold a child while you are cooking, eating or drinking hot foods or liquids. 
10. Plug cooking appliances directly into an outlet. Never use an extension cord for a cooking appliance. It can overload the circuit and cause a fire. Check electrical cords for cracks, breaks, damage, or overheating. Call a professional repair person and replace the appliance, if necessary. 
11. Place or install a microwave oven at a safe height within easy reach of all users. Always supervise children when they are using the microwave oven. Use only microwave-safe cookware. Never use aluminum foil or metal objects in a microwave oven. Open microwaved food slowly and away from the face. Hot steam can escape from a microwaved container of food and can cause burns. Never heat a baby bottle in a microwave oven. 
12. Propane, charcoal, and wood pellet barbecue grills must only be used outdoors. Indoor use can be deadly due to either a fire or carbon monoxide poisoning. Place a grill away from siding and deck railings and out from under eaves and overhanging branches. Do not store or use a grill on a porch or balcony, including any porch or balcony on an upper level of the building. Place the grill a safe distance from lawn furniture, games, and play areas. Use long-handled grilling tools. Never leave a barbecue grill unattended.

Resources

1. Kitchen Safety

2. Fire Prevention Quiz