Wiltshire families encouraged to cook safely

Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue is reminding us to think carefully about our safety in the kitchen, especially as children are more likely to be spending time there at the moment.

With the national lockdown keeping us all at home, half term on the horizon, plus Pancake Day and Valentine's Day in the next week as well, we're asked to be careful.

The local fire service is taking part in a national safety campaign, encouraging parents to spend the time also teaching children about cooking safely.

Prevention Delivery Manager, Ian Hopkins said:

"There are lots of creative ways to teach kids about cooking fire safety. It's vital that they know what to do if the worst should happen.

"So, alongside the melting, mixing and making, why not take the chance to pass on your fire safety knowledge? Test your smoke alarms as part of the activity. And remember, never leave a child alone with a hot hob, and help keep them safe by moving matches and saucepan handles out of their reach."

SAFETY TIPS FROM DW FIRE & RESCUE

The brigade has been sharing a number of points that will help to keep us safe in the kitchen:

• Take care if you need to leave the kitchen whilst cooking, by taking pans off the heat or at least turning 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, cloths and other combustible items (such as paper and cardboard food packaging) away from the cooker and hob

• Take care if you're wearing loose clothing - these can easily catch fire

• Avoid leaving children in the kitchen alone when cooking and 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 and toasters away from curtains and kitchen rolls

• Keep your equipment clean and in good working order, as a build-up of fat and grease can ignite a fire

• Ensure hobs are fully cooled before leaving the kitchen and never place an empty pan back on to a hot hob, to ensure you don't burn the bottom of the pan

• 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

The fire service has also put together a series of children's activities, aimed at helping to teach young people about safety.

They're available on the Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue website.

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• wiltshire
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• safety