FORNEY, Texas — During the October 17th Forney City Council Meeting, Mayor Roberson proclaimed October as Fire Prevention Month.
FORNEY, Texas — During the October 17th Forney City Council Meeting, Mayor Roberson proclaimed October as Fire Prevention Month.
The resolution states that “home fires killed more than 2,800 people in the United States in 2021, according to the National Fire Protection Association® (NFPA®), and fire departments in the United States responded to 338,000 home fires.”
Furthermore, the resolution states that most home fires begin in the kitchen.
“Cooking is the leading cause of home fires in the United States, and fire departments responded to more than 166,400 annually between 2016 and 2020, with two of every five home fires starting in the kitchen, with 31% of these fires resulting from unattended cooking.”
As the holiday season approaches and cooler temperatures set in, families will likely spend more time indoors and share meals together. As part of Fire Prevention Month, the City of Forney is committed to educating the community on how to keep each other safe and prevent a fire.
“Forney residents should turn pot handles toward the back of the stove; always keep a lid nearby when cooking; keep a three-foot kid-free zone around the stove, oven, and other things that could get hot; watch what they heat; and set a timer to remind them that they are cooking,” states the resolution.
“Residents who have planned and practiced a home fire escape plan are more prepared and will therefore be more likely to survive a fire.”
According to Zach Smith, the Communications and Marketing Director for the city, the Forney Fire Department is making the rounds to local schools and daycare centers to raise awareness regarding fires and fire safety.
The 2023 Fire Prevention Week theme is “Cooking safety starts with you. Pay attention to fire prevention.” As we gather for memories and fun this season, the City of Forney is committed to helping us all be safe. In large part, safety equipment, such as smoke detectors, can help save lives.
Smoke Detectors are essential in your home; even more critical is routinely checking them. “Smoke detectors should be checked on a monthly basis. Batteries should be replaced twice a year,” states the Forney Fire Department. “A good way to remember to change your batteries is to change them when you change your clocks for daylight savings.”
Concluding, Mayor Roberson states in the resolution that he urges all to check their kitchen and homes for fire hazards and utilize safe cooking practices.
“I urge all the people of Forney to check their kitchens for fire hazards and use safe cooking practices during Fire Prevention Month 2023 and to support the many public safety activities and efforts of Forney fire and emergency services.”
