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NYCHA Now
Cooking safety starts with you
Health & Safety October 2023 

It’s National Fire Prevention Week

Michael Corwin

Each year, the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) recognizes the second week of October as National Fire Prevention Week. This year’s theme involves cooking safety and the simple steps that can be taken to reduce the risk of fires. In the spirit of Fire Prevention Week, NYCHA’s Environmental Health and Safety Department (EHS) would like to provide the following information regarding fire safety.

Some Facts from the NFPA

  • Cooking is the leading cause of home fires.
  • Cooking is the leading cause of home injuries.
  • Unattended cooking is the leading cause of home cooking fires and related deaths.

Tips for Safe Cooking

  • Always keep a close eye on what you’re cooking. For foods with longer cooking times, such as those that are simmering or baking, set a timer to help monitor them carefully.
  • 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, grilling, boiling, or broiling food.
  • Clear the cooking area of combustible items and anything that can burn, such as dish towels, oven mitts, food packaging, and paper towels.
  • Turn pot handles toward the back of the stove. Keep a lid nearby when cooking. If a small grease fire starts, slide the lid over the pan and turn off the burner.
  • Create a “kid- and pet-free zone” of at least three feet around the cooking area and anywhere hot food or drink is prepared or carried.
Establish a kid-free zone

Stove Knob Covers

NYCHA provides stove knob covers for households with a child under 6 years of age. NYCHA sends out forms every January which provide residents the opportunity to request stove knob covers (the completed forms must be returned by February 15).

Stove knob covers

How to Handle a Cooking Fire

  • Just get out! When you leave, close the door behind you to help contain the fire.
  • Call 911 or the local emergency number after you leave.
  • If you try to fight the fire, be sure others are getting out and that you have a clear way out.
  • Keep a lid nearby when you’re cooking to smother small grease fires. Smother the fire by sliding the lid over the pan, and turn off the stovetop. Leave the pan covered until it is completely cooled.
  • For an oven fire, turn off the heat and keep the door closed.
Prevent kitchen fires

If you have questions about this or any environmental health and safety matter, please email ehs@nycha.nyc.gov. Residents, employees, and any member of the public can submit environmental health and safety concerns at https://on.nyc.gov/submit-concern.

For more information on cooking safety and fire prevention, please visit: