Most household fires start in the kitchen and can be prevented by following some safe cooking principles:
- Never leave cooking appliances unattended while they are in use.
- Clear your cooking area, removing clutter, towels and other things that might potentially catch fire.
- Use timers and thermostats to prevent food from overheating or burning.
- Use cooking appliances according to the manufacturer's instructions, following guidance for temperature settings and cooking times.
- Stay focused and alert and avoid cooking while under the influence of alcohol or medications that may impair your ability to concentrate.
- Turn the handles of your pots and pans on the hob inward, so they aren’t accidentally knocked over.
- Keep children and pets away from the cooking area.
- If you have a fire from oil or grease, never attempt to extinguish it with water, as this can cause the fire to spread.
- Instead, turn off the heat source and, if safe to do so, leave the room and call 999.