To the editor:
Life in quarantine has forced all of us to take on new roles and responsibilities we never expected. Teacher, nurse, repair person, short-order cook. As if the stresses of this virus alone were not enough.
Please do not add firefighter to your many roles. One only needs to open social media to learn just how much use America’s kitchens are getting. As if illness, economics and educational issues were not enough to concern us.
My fire and injury prevention persona scream out “Fire, Fire, Fire!”
Cooking is the leading cause of home fires in the United States. In 2017 we averaged 470 home cooking fires a day. Needless to say, the probability of having a cooking fire increases with the increased use of our kitchens.
Distracted cooking causes more issues than one can imagine. You begin to cook and a riveting interview comes on the television or your phone; or the doorbell or computer pulls you from the kitchen. The next distraction will be your smoke alarm sounding its earsplitting warning followed by smoke billowing from your lovely kitchen.
This is a story heard far too often by responding firefighters. Please stay with what you heat.
With our work, school and home all converging into one space, we may find our countertops becoming cluttered. Before turning on your stovetop make sure it is clear and that all combustibles are kept away from the stove.
Make the kitchen a “No Play Zone!” Keep small children at least 3 feet away from the stove. Turn your pot and panhandles inward to prevent accidental tipping. Keep pets out of the kitchen as well, as they can become a trip hazard.
While being quarantined I am certain each of us is wearing our most fashionable and trendsetting clothing (OK, in full disclosure I may have worn my most trendy and fashionable PJs) Before cooking, roll long sleeves up, secure draping clothing and remove scarves or other items that could accidentally ignite.
Time and time again the citizens of Sugar Creek Township have joined the Sugar Creek Township firefighters in making this a safe and healthy community. This time is no different. We are all in this together, and together we will navigate these times. Stay healthy and safe!
Beth Gulley
New Palestine
Beth Gulley is a member of the Sugar Creek Township Fire Department.
