EMFD turns up the heat for fire prevention week

Although the East Meadow Fire Department was unable to have its annual open house this year due to the coronavirus pandemic, it still recognized Fire Prevention Week from Oct. 4 through Oct. 10.

Each year, the fire department shows guests a number of different procedures and techniques, including how to combat a kitchen fire. This year, members held it as a media demonstration that aired on News12 Long Island on Oct. 6. The segment kept with this year’s National Fire Prevention week theme to “Serve Up Fire Safety in the Kitchen,” which aims to educate residents about kitchen and cooking safety.  

Cooking is the leading cause of home fires and home fire injuries in the United States, according to the National Fire Protection Association, and Thanksgiving is the number-one day for fires involving cooking. Nearly half, or 44 percent, of reported home fires start in the kitchen, and two-thirds, or 66 percent, of home cooking fires start with food or other cooking materials, such as oil and grease, catching fire.

“Kitchen fires as a result of cooking can often be prevented,” said Commissioner Carey Welt, who led the demonstration with EMFD Fire Inspector and Ex-Chief James Kane. “Avoiding distractions, staying in the kitchen while food is cooking, and knowing what to do in case of a fire are among the most important things you can do to stay safe in the event of a fire.”

There will also be a section on kitchen safety in the upcoming edition of the East Meadow Fire District newsletter.

The EMFD also recently teamed up with East Meadow Kiwanis for its Pack and Backpack initiative, through which the fire department donated pencil cases ful of pens, pencils, highlighters and fire safety-related materials.

For more information about fire safety and prevention, visit the EMFD website at www.eastemeadowfd.com and click on the fire prevention and safety information links. More information about the East Meadow Fire Department, including volunteer opportunities, can also be found on the website.

 —Brian Stieglitz