- 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.