Public Education

fire prevention week 2023

National Fire Prevention Week - October 8-14, 2023

The Southside Place Fire Department is teaming up with the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) ­‑‑ the official sponsor of Fire Prevention Week™ for more than 90 years ‑‑ to promote this year’s Fire Prevention Week campaign, "Cooking safety starts with YOU. Pay attention to fire prevention" which works to educate everyone about simple, but important, actions they can take to keep themselves and those around them safe when cooking. 

While NFPA and the Southside Place Fire Department are focusing on home fires, these fire safety messages apply to virtually anywhere.

“Situational awareness is a skill people need to use wherever they go,” said Chief Serrano. “No matter where you are, look for available exits. If the alarm system sounds, take it seriously and exit the building immediately.”

For more information about Fire Prevention Week and home escape planning, visit National Fire Prevention Week.

Kids Activities and Printables

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Cooking Safety

Cooking brings family and friends together, provides an outlet for creativity, and can be relaxing. But did you know that cooking fires are the number one cause of home fires and home injuries? By following a few safety tips you can prevent these fires.

Cook with Caution!

  • Be on alert! If you are sleepy or have consumed alcohol don't use the stove or stovetop.
  • Stay in the kitchen while you are frying, boiling, grilling, or broiling food. If you leave the kitchen for even a short period of time, turn off the stove.
  • If you are simmering, baking, or roasting food, check it regularly, remain in the home while food is cooking, and use a timer to remind you that you are cooking.
  • Keep anything that can catch fire - oven mitts, wooden utensils, food packaging, towels or curtains - away from your stovetop.

If you have a small (grease) cooking fire and decide to fight the fire...

  • On the stovetop, smother the flames by sliding a lid over the pan and turning off the burner. Leave the pan covered until it is completely cooled.
  • For an oven fire, turn off the heat and keep the door closed.

If you have any doubt about fighting a small fire...

  • Just get out! When you leave, close the door behind you to help contain the fire.
  • Call 9-1-1 or the local emergency number from outside the home.
Fire Prevention Week 2023 - Cooking Safety
Fire Prevention Week 2023 - Cooking Safety - Spanish  
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Fire Safety Videos

Educational Programs

The Southside Place Volunteer Fire Department strives to provide quality public educational programs for people of all ages. Our current educational offerings include:
  • Fire Prevention Week
  • Annual Citizen Block Party Demonstrations
  • Smoke Detector Program
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