The Hopkinton Fire Department has scheduled its annual Open House for Sunday, Oct. 15. The event, held at the Fire Department headquarters on Main Street, will run from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m. Residents (including children) will have the opportunity to view demonstrations, learn about fire safety and tour the station. Refreshments will be provided, and Sparky the Fire Dog is expected to make an appearance.

The Open House provides an opportunity for firefighters to focus on the educational theme of Fire Prevention Week. This year’s theme is “Cooking safety starts with YOU! Pay attention to fire prevention.” The theme reinforces the importance of cooking safety, and works to educate the public about simple but important steps they can take to help reduce the risk of fire when cooking at home.

Cooking safety messages include:

• Always keep a close eye on what you’re cooking. For foods with longer cook times, such as those that are simmering or baking, set a timer to help monitor them carefully.
• Clear the cooking area of combustible items and keep anything that can burn — such as dish towels, oven mitts, food packaging and paper towels — out of the cooking area.
• 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 3 feet (1 meter) around the cooking area and anywhere else hot food or drink is prepared or carried.

Staying in the kitchen, using a timer, and avoiding distractions that remove your focus from what’s on the stove are among the key messages for this year’s Fire Prevention Week campaign.