Ban the pan during National Chip Week
Warwickshire Fire and Rescue Service is supporting National Chip Week (13 – 19 February) by urging people to stop using chip pans, as they are a major fire hazard.
Around 8,200 chip/fat pan fires result in 34 deaths and nearly 3,000 injuries in the UK each year Source: ODPM fire statistics based on a three year average from 2002 to 2004. so it is vital to reduce fire hazards and cook safely.
County Fire Officer, William Brown, believes National Chip Week is an ideal time to ban the use of chip pans in your home.
“Chip pans cause a high number of fires resulting in deaths and injuries. People leave pans full of fat bubbling away, which can be lethal, as the overheated oil will ignite. All you need is an interruption like a telephone call or even worse to fall asleep while the chips are cooking.
”Simply changing the way you cook can prevent fire. Invest in a deep fat fryer or opt for oven chips as an alternative.”
Follow these fire safety tips all year round:
· If you have to use a chip pan never fill it over a third full of oil or fat.
· Never be tempted to cook with a chip pan after consuming alcohol.
· Don’t take risks by tacking a fire. Get out, stay out and dial 999.
· Never throw water on a chip pan. This will cause it to explode into a fireball causing severe burns to anyone nearby.
· Have an escape route planned so everyone knows what to do in the event of a fire.
· Install a working smoke alarm in your home and test it regularly.
For further advice on fire safety visit http://www.firekills.gov.uk or order a copy of the fire prevention handbook by calling 08456 087 087 or visiting the website.