Top tips for safe cooking

  • If you need to leave the kitchen whilst cooking, take pans off the heat or turn them down to avoid risk.
  • Double check the hob is off when you’ve finished cooking.
  • 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.
  • Take care with electrics – keep leads and appliances away from water and place grills and toasters away from curtains and kitchen rolls.
  • Keep 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.
  • If a pan catches fire, don’t tackle it yourself. Turn off the heat if it is safe to do so and don’t throw water over it.
  • Never throw water on a chip pan fire.
  • Make sure you have at least one smoke alarm on every level of your home and test them regularly.

In the event of a fire, have an escape plan in place. Get out, stay out, and call 999.