Gloucestershire Fire and Rescue Service (GFRS) is encouraging parents and carers to make cooking activities in the kitchen a chance for children to learn about cooking safety, as part of the Fire Kills campaign.
With many children across Gloucestershire spending more time in the kitchen this February half term, it’s vital to know what to do if the worst should happen.
To stay safe in the kitchen, here are some top tips:
- Keep tea towels and cloths away from the cooker and hob.
- Take care if you’re wearing loose clothing – this can easily catch fire.
- Never leave cooking unattended.
- Avoid leaving children in the kitchen alone when cooking. Keep matches and saucepan handles out of their reach to keep them safe.
- Don’t cook after drinking alcohol.
- Take care with electrics – keep leads and appliances away from water and place grills and toasters away from curtains and kitchen rolls.
- Hot oil can catch fire easily – be careful that it doesn’t overheat.
- Never throw water on a chip pan fire.
- Double check the hob and oven are off when you’ve finished cooking.
- Make sure you have at least one smoke alarm on every level of your home and test them monthly.
- Don’t take risks by tackling a fire. Get out, stay out and call 999.
Mark Preece, Chief Fire Officer, said: “Whether children are lending a hand or simply seeking a snack, it’s important to make sure that they know the hazards of the kitchen, including to not touch a hot hob.
“This is a chance to show children how to test smoke alarms within the home and the importance of keeping them safe by moving matches and saucepan handles out of their reach.”
Cllr Dave Norman, Gloucestershire County Council cabinet member with responsibility for the Fire and Rescue Service, said: “Half of all accidental fires in the home start in the kitchen – often because of distractions like phone calls, answering the door or family. So, whatever happens elsewhere in your home, always make sure you have one eye on the hob or oven.”
For further advice, please visit Safe and Well – Safety in the Home