Cooking Safety

Food is a big part of Christmas for a lot of people, and many people find themselves in the kitchen cooking for long periods of time. Whenever you are cooking, it is important to take proper safety precautions. 

Cooking is one of the leading causes of fire in homes. By following a few simple tips from Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service, you can help protect your friends and family from fires while cooking this Christmas. 

Never leave cooking unattended 

• If you need to step away, turn off the hob or ask someone else to keep an eye on the food. 
• Avoid distractions like phone calls - they can lead to accidents. 

Keep the hob clean and clear of clutter 

• Cluttered hobs are the main cause of cooking fires.
• Avoid placing tea towels, packaging or pans on the hob when not in use, and don't leave them too close to the hob when cooking. 
• Don't leave pans unattended or let oil overheat. It can quickly catch fire. 
• Be careful with hot oil. If oil starts to smoke, turn off the heat and let it cool before moving it. 

Be careful with air fryers 

• Use air fryers on a heat-resistant surface, away from walls or cupboards to allow plenty of space for air flow. Keep them clean by regularly removing crumbs and grease. 
• Don't overfill the basket as this can block the airflow and lead to overheating. 
• Unplug air fryers after use and let them cool before moving them. 

 

If you are concerned about someone at risk of fire, you can refer directly to Lancashire Fire and Rescue for a Home Safety Check. They can offer tailored fire safety advice to help you stay safe.