Kitchen safety

How to cook safely

• Take extra care if you need to leave the kitchen whilst cooking, take pans off the heat or turn them down to avoid risk.
• Make sure saucepan handles don't stick out - so they don't get knocked off the stove.
• Take care if you're wearing loose clothing - it can easily catch fire.
• Keep tea towels and cloths away from the cooker and hob.
• Spark devices are safer than matches or lighters to light gas cookers, because they don't have a naked flame.
• Double check the cooker is off when you've finished cooking.

Deep fat frying

• Take care when cooking with hot oil - it sets alight easily.
• Make sure food is dry before putting it in hot oil so it doesn't splash.
• If the oil starts to smoke - it's too hot. Turn off the heat and leave it to cool.
• Use a thermostatically controlled electric deep fat fryer. They can't overheat.

Air fryers

• Buy your air fryer from a reputable supplier and make sure to read reviews before you buy.
• Register your appliance's guarantee if it has one to make sure you receive recall notifications.
• Follow the manufacturer’s guidance and only use your air fryer as directed. This means using it on a hard surface, and NEVER putting oil or other prohibited substances in the fryer.
• Clean your air fryer regularly to avoid dangerous fat, grease or oils building up.
• Never leave it on when you go out or go to sleep.
• Always check that it's off when you're finished.

What to do if a pan catches fire

• Don't take any risks. Turn off the heat if it's safe to do so. Never throw water over it.
• Don't tackle the fire yourself.
• Get out, stay out, and call 999.

Take care with electrics

• Keep electrics (leads and 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.
• Don't put anything metal in the microwave.