Green Bay Reporter

The Green Bay Metro Fire Department has concluded its Holiday Wreath Program, recording a total of eleven residential fires between November 28, 2024, and January 1, 2025. Among these incidents, seven were related to cooking.

As the new year begins, many individuals worldwide are setting goals and resolutions for personal improvement. An essential resolution that can be made is to prioritize fire safety. The department offers several tips to enhance safety practices throughout the year:

- Ensure smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors are functional within the home.

- Develop and practice an escape plan with all household members, including children and pets.

- Store matches and lighters out of children's reach and use child safety locks on cabinets.

- Maintain a minimum distance of three feet between space heaters and flammable objects; always turn them off when leaving the room or going to bed.

Cooking appliances like stoves or ranges are identified as leading causes of home fires in the United States. Most cooking fires can be avoided by adhering to basic safety measures:

- Remain in the kitchen while cooking.

- Use a timer as a reminder during cooking activities.

- Keep flammable items away from cooktops and avoid using ovens for storage.

- For small grease fires on stovetops, smother flames by sliding a lid over the pan and turning off the burner. If uncertain about handling a fire, evacuate immediately and call 9-1-1.