August 07, 2020 –
Olympia – As many college students may be getting ready to head back to campus, the Washington
State Fire Marshal’s Office (SFMO) advises college students to prepare for the risks of cooking on
their own.
Whether its ramen noodles or reheating pizza, the SFMO reminds students to follow the same
cooking safety rules that they follow at home:
• Never leave cooking unattended.
• Do not overload electrical circuits in the kitchen.
• Charcoal or propane grills should only be used outside.
• If a cooktop fire does start, turn off the heat and slide a pan lid over the top of the pan.
• If a microwave fire does start, unplug the unit and leave the door closed.
• Know the rules in your building regarding allowed and restricted cooking appliances.
For more information, contact the State Fire Marshal’s Office at 360-596-3929.
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