Upper Makefield Township

• Three out of every 10 reported home fires start in the kitchen -- more than any other place in the home.
• Unattended cooking is the leading cause of home cooking fires.
• Two out of three reported home cooking fires start at the range or stove.

Upper Makefield Fire Marshal John Kernan believes that residents can prevent these and other fires by emphasizing 4 key safety measures:

1. Keep the handles of pots and pans turned toward the rear of the range, out of reach of children.
2. Never leave cooking food unattended on stovetops or ovens.
3. Replace the batteries in all your smoke home's smoke alarms during Fire Prevention Week.
4. Discuss home escape planning as a family to prevent injuries in the event of a home fire.

For more fire-safety advice, visit the National Fire Protection Association website.