Brian Neben, Central Nebraska Today
HASTINGS — Hastings Fire and Rescue is teaming up with the National Fire Protection Association— the official sponsor of Fire Prevention Week for more than 100 years — to promote this year’s FPW campaign, “Cooking safety starts with YOU. Pay attention to fire prevention.”
Fire Prevention Week is Oct. 8-14, 2023, but Hastings Fire and Rescue recognizes the entire month of October as Fire Prevention Month.
Hastings Fire and Rescue offers these key safety tips to help reduce the risk of a cooking fire.
- 1. Watch what you heat. Always keep a close eye on what you are cooking. Set a timer to remind you that you are cooking.
- 2. Turn pot handles toward the back of the stove. Always keep a lid nearby when cooking. If a small grease fire starts, slide the lid over the pan and turn off the burner.
- 3. Have a “kid- and pet-free zone” of at least 3 feet (1 meter) around the stove or grill and anywhere else hot food or drink is prepared or carried.
“Far and away, the leading cause of structure fires in Hastings for 2023 has been cooking fires,” HFR Risk Reduction Officer Anthony Murphy said. “Not only has this caused a huge financial impact through thousands of dollars in property damage, injuries have also resulted from these preventable fires. Let’s work together as a community to change this trend and keep our community resilient.”
Hastings Fire and Rescue is hosting a series of events in support of this year’s FPW campaign, including an open house 9 a.m. to noon, Saturday, Oct. 14 at Fire Station 1, 1313 N. Hastings Ave.
The open house includes station tours, antique fire truck rides, and kids games. Hastings Firefighters Local 675 will also be providing a free pancake breakfast.
For more information contact Hastings Fire and Rescue at 402-461-2350, Anthony Murphy at amurphy@cityofhastings.org.
