Fire Prevention Week marks the anniversary of the Great Chicago Fire of October 8-9, 1871.  The historic blaze raged for several days and killed more than 250 people, left 100,000 homeless, and destroyed more than 17,000 buildings.

Each October, the National Fire Prevention Association sponsors a fire prevention campaign.  The theme for Fire Prevention Week 2006 focuses on the leading cause of fire and injuries---cooking.

“Prevent Cooking Fires:  Watch What You Heat!”

 The Plano Fire Department would like you to be aware of the following safety tips:

• Pay attention to your cooking.  Stay in the kitchen when you are frying, grilling, broiling, or boiling food.

• If you must leave the room-even for a short period of time—turn off the stove.

• When you are simmering, baking, or roasting food, check it regularly, stay in the home, and use a timer to remind you.

• If you have young children, use the stove’s back burners whenever possible.

• Keep children and pets at least three feet away from the stove.

• When you cook, wear clothing with tight-fitting sleeves.

• Allow food cooked in a microwave oven to cool for a minute or more before you remove it from the oven and use an oven mitt.

• Open microwaved food slowly.  Hot steam escaping from the container can cause painful burns.  Let food cool before eating.