PANCAKE precautions are being issued by Warwickshire County Council’s Fire and Rescue Service to ensure shrove Tuesday goes without a hitch.
Firefighters are asking residents to take extra care today (Tuesday February 9), warning that last year over half of house fires in Warwickshire were caused by cooking related accidents.
Warwickshire Fire and Rescue Services’ Community Fire Safety and Arson Manager Moreno Francioso said: “Kitchens and cooking are one of the main causes of fires in the home and frying pans can easily catch light, especially if they are left unattended.
“So please pay attention when you are cooking your pancakes this Shrove Tuesday. A moment’s distraction could result in you being faced with a serious fire that could take your home or even your life.”
The fire service offered the following safety tips:
When using a frying pan or cooking with hot oil, remember:
- Never leave the pan unattended when the heat is switched on
- Do NOT move the pan if it is on fire!
If the pan does catch fire:
- Don’t take any risks. Turn off the heat if it is safe to do so. Never throw water over it
- Don’t tackle the fire yourself
- Get Out, Stay Out, Call 999.
Warwickshire County Council safety spokesman Coun John Horner said: “Making pancakes can be lots of fun for the whole family and they certainly can be delicious. However, over half of all accidental fires in the home start in the kitchen, so please take care, especially when cooking with hot oil.”
“And when you have finished cooking, make sure that all the appliances are turned off.”
A working smoke alarm will greatly increase your chances of escaping unharmed. Have a plan and follow it – know exactly which way you will leave your home and know where you will go.
Stay alive, stay safe, and make sure your smoke alarms work properly:
- Test your smoke alarms every month
- Change the battery every year (unless it’s a 10 year alarm)
- Clean it out properly at least twice every year, by vacuuming the inside.
For further advice on fire safety or to apply for a free Home Fire Safety Check, log onto http://www.warwickshire.gov.uk/firesafetycheck
