Community & Living

Over 50% of all fire in the home start in the kitchen. There are many hazards to consider, such as cookers, microwaves and other sources of intense heat.

General Safety in the Kitchen

• Don't hang tea towels over a heat source Never put a lighted cigarette down except in an ashtray; empty in to a suitable container outside the building
• Don't place oven gloves near to direct heat
• Ensure all floor coverings are non slip
• Keep detergents and chemicals in a safe place correctly labelled and out of children’s reach
• Consider child-proof locks to prevent access by young children
• Ensure all controls are switched off after cooking
• Keep your cooker clean from fat and grease
• Don't risk steam scalds by reaching over the kettle
• Never leave hot liquids in easy reach of children
• Don't dry clothes in the microwave
• Never place metal, reflective or foil containers in a microwave - only use appropriate plastic or ceramic containers

Chip and Hot Oil Pans

• Only fill pans 1/3 full with oil
• Always dry chips before placing in pan

Cookers

• Never leave hot pans unattended, especially chip pans
• Ensure the correct heat source is switched on
• Don't leave pan handles sticking out from the cooker
• Keep kitchen roll away from the cooker
• Keep the oven door shut
• Don't trail electrical leads across the cooker

Electrical

• Make sure electrical sockets are not loose and check that plugs are fused and wired correctly
• Don't overload power sockets - one plug, one socket is safest
• Don't place a plant pot or anything wet or damp on top of an electrical appliance
• Don't allow electrical appliances or cables near water
• Don't trail extension cables across the floor and check that the cable is in good order

Matches and Lighters

• Keep matches and lighters out of the children’s reach and keep away from heat sources

Toasters

• Keep toasters away from curtains and clean out regularly

If you Discover a Fire

• Get everyone out immediately
• Close all doors behind you
• Call the Fire & Rescue Service on 999. Any fire, or suspected fire, is an emergency!
• Do not go back into the house until a fire officer has told you it is safe to do so

• National Community Fire Safety Centre Website
• Staffordshire Fire & Rescue Service website