Cooking fire safety

February is cooking fire safety month and as February plays host to both Shrove Tuesday and Valentine’s Day, many people may well be spending more time in the kitchen and with this comes a potential increased risk of danger.  Whether you’re making pancakes with the kids or creating a romantic meal for two, Derbyshire Fire & Rescue Service (DFRS) is asking people to take extra care when cooking.

Distraction whilst cooking is a main cause of fire call-outs right across the country, meaning it is extremely important that you and everyone else in your home knows how to prevent an accident from occurring.

DFRS would like to remind people of the following safety points to help everyone stay safe in the kitchen:

• Take care if you need to leave the kitchen whilst cooking. Take pans off the heat or turn them down to avoid risk.
• If a pan catches fire, don’t take any risks – Get Out, Stay Out, and Call 999.
• Double check the hob is off when you’ve finished cooking.
• Avoid leaving household objects on or around the hob and be careful not to turn it on when it’s not in use.
• Keep tea towels and cloths away from the cooker and hob.
• Take care if you’re wearing loose clothing – this can easily catch fire.
  Avoid leaving children in the kitchen alone when cooking.  Keep matches and saucepan handles out of their reach to keep them safe.
• Take care with electrics – leads and appliances away from water and place grills and away from curtains and kitchen rolls.
  Keep your equipment clean and in good working order.  A build-up of fat and grease can ignite a fire.
• Don’t cook after drinking alcohol.
• Hot oil can catch fire easily – be careful that it doesn’t overheat.
• Never throw water on a chip pan fire.
• In the event of a fire, have an escape plan in place.
• Don’t take risks by tackling a fire. Get out, stay out and call 999.
• Have at least one smoke alarm on every level of your home and test them weekly.

Group Manager for Prevention and Inclusion, Steve Ratcliffe said: “Over half of all accidental fires in the home start in the kitchen and this is often due to people becoming distracted whilst cooking.

“These days there are so many distractions, everything from modern technology to children, but it is important to give cooking your full attention to prevent an accidental fire and to help keep you and your family safe.”

For more information on fire safety, visit http://www.derbys-fire.gov.uk/keeping-safe/common-fire-prevention/kitchen/

You can also follow us on social media for regular safety advice, including tips on staying safe in the kitchen:

Twitter: @DerbyshireFRS
Facebook: @DerbyshireFRS
Instagram: @derbyshirefrs