Mayor William E. Cooper declared Oct. 8-14 as Fire Prevention Week in the City of Enterprise and the Enterprise Fire Department is reminding residents to embrace the 2023 theme: “Cooking safety starts with YOU. Pay attention to fire prevention.”

According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), cooking is the leading cause of home fire and home fire injuries in the United States.

“The City of Enterprise is committed to ensuring the safety and security of all those living in and visiting our city,” Mayor Cooper said. “Enterprise Firefighters are dedicated to reducing the occurrences of home fire and home fire injuries through prevention and education.”

The 2023 campaign works to educate everyone about the simple but important actions they can take when cooking to keep themselves and those around them safe.

“Cooking fires can grow quickly. In my career, I have seen too many homes damaged by fires that could have been easily prevented,” Enterprise Fire Chief Christopher Davis said.

Chief Davis offered the following safety tips to help reduce the risk of a cooking fire:

1. Always keep a close eye on what you are cooking.
2. Turn pot handles toward the back of the stove and keep a lid nearby.  If a small grease fire starts, slide the lid over the pan and turn off the burner.
3. Have a “kid-and pet-free zone” of at least three feet around the stove or grill and anywhere else hot food or drink is prepared or carried.

EFD distributes free, working smoke alarms to all city residents. To learn more about this program, contact the Enterprise Fire Department at (334) 348-2641.