Cooking – More than half of house fires start in the kitchen.
Some practical steps when it comes to cooking are:
* Deep fat frying with chip pans. Be especially careful when deep-fat frying or cooking with oil because oil can catch fire very quickly. The safest way to deep-fat fry food in oil is to use an electric, thermostat-controlled, deep-fat fryer. Butter will burn easily, whilst vegetable, sunflower, and olive oils are more suitable for cooking. Never fill the pan more than one-third full of fat or oil. Make sure that food is dried thoroughly before putting it into hot oil, due to any amount of water will cause the hot oil to spit. If the oil starts to smoke it is too hot, turn off the heat and leave it to cool otherwise it may catch fire. Never put food into the pan if the oil is smoking.
* If the pan does catch fire turn off the heat under the pan (if it is safe to do so) and allow it to cool.
* Leave the pan where it is – do not move it.
* Never throw water over it or use a fire extinguisher – the effects can spread the fire further.
* Leave the room, close the door, get everyone out of your home, and stay out.
* Then call 999.
* Do not get distracted – If you are not watching your cooking, it could burn and cause a fire before you have the chance to notice. Always keep an eye on your cooking and ensure the appliance is turned off correctly when you have finished.
* Alcohol – Drinking alcohol and cooking can be a fatal mix. Do not drink and cook.
Bluelight
For more information about Blue Light Safety or Automist® fire suppression – email info@bluelightsafety.co.uk or call 0330 353 0053.
