Safety first for Bank Holiday cooking written by
Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue 1440769279
on the 28
th August 2015 at 14:41
- Posted in Fire Blog
During the August Bank Holiday weekend many children across Tyne and Wear will be spending more time in the kitchen.
But whether they're lending a hand or simply seeking a snack, it's important to make sure that they know the hazards of a hot hob.
As part of the national Fire Kills campaign, Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service is asking parents and carers to make any kitchen activities a chance for kids to learn this summer.
Area Manager for Community Safety Kevin Gardner, Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service, said: “From bake-offs to barbecues, there are lots of creative ways to teach kids about cooking fire safety; and it's absolutely vital that they know what to do if the worst should happen.
“Test your smoke alarm as part of the activity. Never leave a child alone with a hot hob, and help keep them safe by moving matches and saucepan handles out of their reach.”
Distraction while cooking is a main cause of fire call-outs right across the country.
Kevin Gardner added: “Half of all accidental fires in the home start in the kitchen - often because of distractions like phone calls or family. So whatever happens elsewhere in the house, always make sure you have one eye on the hob or oven."
The Fire Kills campaign's top tips for staying safe in the kitchen this summer are: • Take care 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 to keep them safe.• Take care with electrics - keep leads and appliances away from water and place grills 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. • Get a smoke alarm and test it weekly.
For more information on fire safety, visit www.twfire.gov.uk/cookingsafety or www.facebook.com/firekills
