Cooking safety tips

More than half of accidental fires at home are started by cooking - often when cookers and grills are left unattended.

A few simple measures will keep you and your loved ones safe.

Cooking safely

Make sure saucepan handles don't stick out - so they don't get knocked off the stove
Take care if you're wearing loose clothing - they can easily catch fire
Keep tea towels and cloths away from the cooker and hob
Double check the cooker is off when you've finished cooking
Avoid leaving children in the kitchen alone when cooking on the hob
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

Take care when cooking with hot oil - it sets alight easily.

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.