AVOID A KITCHEN FIRE BY COOKING SAFELY – MUIR HELPFUL HINTS
KEEPING safe when cooking in your kitchen can save you and your family from a disastrous fire.
More than half of accidental fires at home are started by cooking - often when cookers and grills are left unattended.
Don’t be tempted to sit outside in the sun if you’re cooking something in the kitchen.
Your fire safety decisions can save your family and your home.
A few simple measures can help keep you and your loved ones safe
- Make sure saucepan handles don't stick out - so they don't get knocked off the stove
- Keep tea towels and cloths away from the cooker and hob
- Double check the cooker is off when you've finished cooking
- Take care if you need to leave the kitchen whilst cooking, take pans off the heat or turn them down to avoid risk
- Keep the oven, hob and grill clean and in good working order. A build-up of fat and grease can ignite a fire
- Make sure food is dry before putting it in hot oil so it doesn't splash.
- If the oil starts to smoke - it's too hot. Turn off the heat and leave it to cool.
- Use a thermostat controlled electric deep fat fryer. They can't overheat.
What to do if a pan catches fire
- Don't take any risks. Turn off the heat if it is safe to do so. Never throw water over it.
- Don't tackle the fire yourself - Get Out, Stay Out, Call 999.
You can learn more about cooking safely by visiting www.cheshirefire.gov.uk/home/cooking-safety-tips and watching their helpful video.