Fry with care - Chip Week
Warwickshire County Council’s Fire and Rescue Service are urging chip lovers to take care when cooking during National Chip Week (21 – 27 February 2011).
In 2010 there were 211 accidental dwelling fires in Warwickshire. 103 of those started in the kitchen with 87 being sparked by overheated chip pans or unattended cooking.
Leaving a chip pan unattended for any length of time can have disastrous results as the oil can easily overheat and ignite. A simple switch from the pan to the oven or a temperature controlled deep-fat fryer can help prevent the worst.
Area Risk Manager, Jon Dixon said:
“Kitchen fires can start so quickly, the smallest distraction when using a hot chip pan could lead to a fire in a matter of moments. We have attended a number of incidents in the last few months where cooking has been left unattended and kitchens have been completely destroyed. We don’t want that to happen at any time of the year, so all we are asking is that residents ensure that they are cooking safely during National Chip Week.
“However, if the worst does happen and your chip pan catches alight, then do not throw water over it – get out, stay out and call 999!”
By taking just a few simple precautions, you can greatly reduce the risks of having a fire in your home:
· Don’t overfill a chip pan with oil – never fill it more than one-third full.
· Be careful that it doesn’t overheat - hot oil can catch fire easily.
· Use a thermostat-controlled deep-fat fryer, which will make sure the fat doesn’t get too hot
· Never throw water on a chip pan fire.
· Don’t cook after drinking alcohol.
· In the event of a fire, have an escape route 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 how to stay safe in the home or to apply for a free home fire safety check log onto http://www.warwickshire.gov.uk/fireandrescue