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Avoid pancake pandemonium and a call to Oxfordshire’s firefighters
16/02/2021
“over half of all accidental fires in the home start in the kitchen – so please take care”
Today is Shrove Tuesday and lots of us will be heading to the kitchen to turn fresh batter into a culinary treat. However, we’re being advised to not get distracted by the fun of the day so we end up with pancake pandemonium and a need to call the fire service.
The team at Oxfordshire County Council’s Fire and Rescue Service are offering Pancake Day safe cooking tips to all those planning hitting the kitchen. They remind us that it is easy to be consumed by the tantalising aroma of a delicious, warm pancake sprinkled with lemon juice and sugar. But such a mouth-watering distraction might mean fire safety is not at the forefront of our minds!
Fat and chip pan fires can be devastating, with a very high proportion of fires resulting in injuries.
Councillor Judith Heathcoat, Oxfordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Community Safety, said: “Making pancakes can be lots of fun for the whole family and they certainly can be delicious. However, over half of all accidental fires in the home start in the kitchen. So please take care, especially when cooking with hot oil. Avoid the need to call firefighters to your Shrove Tuesday celebration.”
Kevin Morgan, Community Safety Manager for Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue Service, said: “When using a frying pan or cooking with hot oil, never leave the pan unattended when the heat is switched on. Don’t move the pan if it is on fire. Turn off the heat if it is safe to do so. And never throw water over it. Don’t tackle the fire yourself. Get out. Stay out. Dial 999.”
A key reminder is that when we have finished cooking we should make sure that all appliances are turned off and the cooking area is clear.
Smoke alarms should be checked as they greatly increase chances of escaping unharmed if there is a fire. An escape plan is also recommended so everyone inside the property knows exactly which way to leave and where to go once safely outside.
Published: by Banbury FM Newsteam