Fire service's top tips for kitchen safety

Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service is asking parents and carers to make sure that children know the hazards of a hot hob.

Half of all accidental fires in the home start in the kitchen - often because of distractions like phone calls or family.

The Fire Kills campaign’s top tips for staying safe in the kitchen:

• Take care if you need to leave the kitchen whilst cooking. Take pans off the heat or turn them down to avoid risk.

• If a pan catches fire, don’t take any risks – Get Out, Stay Out, and Call 999.

• 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 - leads and appliances away from water and place grills and toasters 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, please visit www.facebook.com/firekills.