But whether they’re lending a hand or simply seeking a snack, it’s important to make sure that they know the hazards of a hot hob.
As part of the Fire Kills campaign, Shropshire Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) is encouraging parents and carers to make any kitchen activities a chance for kids to learn about cooking safety.
Dione Morris, Children and Young Person's Prevention Officer, said:
“There are lots of creative ways to teach kids about cooking fire safety. And, it’s absolutely vital that they know what to do if the worst should happen.
“So, alongside the melting, mixing and making, why not take the chance to pass on your fire safety knowhow? Test your smoke alarms as part of the activity. And remember, never leave a child alone with a hot hob, and help keep them safe by moving matches and saucepan handles out of their reach.”
And it’s not just the kids being at home that can lead you to take your eye off the pots and pans – distraction while cooking is a main cause of fire call-outs right across the country.
Dione continued:
“Half of all accidental fires in the home start in the kitchen - often because of distractions like phone calls or family. So, whatever happens elsewhere in your home, always make sure you have one eye on the hob or oven.”
Fire Kills’ top tips for staying safe in the kitchen are:
- Take care if you need to leave the kitchen whilst cooking. Take pans off the heat or turn them down to avoid risk.
- If a pan catches fire, don’t take any risks – Get Out, Stay Out, and Call 999.
- Double check the hob and oven is off when you’ve finished cooking.
- Keep tea towels and cloths away from the cooker and hob.
- Take care if you’re wearing loose clothing – this can easily catch fire. Practice stop drop and roll
- Avoid leaving children in the kitchen alone when cooking. Keep matches and saucepan handles out of their reach to keep them safe.
- Take care with electrics - keep leads and appliances away from water and place grills and toasters away from curtains and kitchen rolls.
- Keep your equipment clean and in good working order. A build-up of fat and grease can ignite a fire.
- Don’t cook after drinking alcohol.
- Hot oil can catch fire easily - be careful that it doesn’t overheat.
- Never throw water on a chip pan fire.
- In the event of a fire, have an escape plan in place.
- Don’t take risks by tackling a fire. Get out, stay out and call 999.
- Make sure you have at least one smoke alarm on every level of your home and test them monthly.
For advice specific to you and your home, complete your own home fire safety check.
For more educational activities around fire safety go to www.staywise.co.uk
