With the summer holidays approaching quickly, children across the county will be looking to be more involved with the cooking; whether it’s baking in the kitchen or grilling on the barbecue.
It’s important however to take care when cooking with children and young people. Royal Berkshire Fire Service (RBFRS), as part of the Fire Kills campaign, urges parents and carers to take the time to teach fire safety to children this summer.
Nicola Smith, Prevention Manager at RBFRS says, “The summer holidays are a great chance to get children and young people involved in the kitchen and cooking duties. But please remember to ensure children know how to stay safe, and what to do should the worst happen. Half of all accidental fires at home begin in the kitchen, so it is imperative to encourage safe practices.
“Avoid leaving children alone when cooking and secure all saucepans on the cooker so that their handles are not sticking out. Equally, keep tea towels, cloths, and other flammable items away from the cooker. Double check the hob is off when you have finished cooking.
“Remember, keep looking when cooking. Distractions can be fatal.
“If a fire does happen, remember not to take any risks. Only turn off the heat if it is safe to do so and never throw water over a cooking fire. Get out, stay out, and call 999.”
When cooking, please remember:
- Don’t get distracted – always keep an eye on the hob or cooker.
- Take care when wearing loose clothing, as this can catch fire.
- Keep electrical appliances away from water.
- Check toasters are clean and placed away from curtains and kitchen rolls.
- Keep the oven, hob, and grill clean and in good working order – a build-up of fat and grease can ignite a fire.
- Keep cloths, tea towels, and other flammable items away from the oven and hob.
- Avoid leaving children unattended in the kitchen and keep saucepan handles out of their reach. Also remember to keep matches and lighters out of reach of children.
- Don’t cook if under the influence of alcohol/drugs or medication that may make you drowsy.
- Always double-check that the cooker is off when you’ve finished cooking.
Deep fat frying is especially dangerous. So, remember:
- Take care when cooking with hot oil – it is highly flammable.
- Ensure food is dry before submerging it into oil so it does not splash.
- If the oil is smoking, it’s too hot – turn off the heat if it is safe to do so and leave it to cool. NEVER throw water onto hot oil
- For a safer alternative, use a thermostat-controlled electric deep fat fryer, as these cannot overheat.
Barbecues pose an additional hazard, particularly in the summer months when the ground is drier and more susceptible to catching alight. Keep these tips in mind when grilling this summer:
- Ensure your barbecue is well away from sheds, fences, trees, shrubs or garden waste.
- Never leave a barbecue unattended.
- Never use a barbecue indoors or in enclosed spaces – this can potentially result in carbon monoxide poisoning.
- Keep a bucket of water. sand, or a garden hose nearby for emergencies.
- Never use petrol or paraffin to start or revive your barbecue – only use recognised fire lighters or starter fuels on coal.
- Empty ashes onto bare garden soil, and not into dustbins or wheelie bins – if they’re hot, they can melt the plastic and start a fire.
- Do not have barbecues on balconies.
- Do not have barbecues in the countryside, unless in a designated safe area.
For further information to protect yourself, your loved ones, and your home when cooking this summer, visit our webpage here.