Devon & Somerset Fire & Rescue Service remind you that the kitchen is a very easy area to get distracted in, especially if you are cooking. Over 50% of fires start in the kitchen.

Marc House, Community Safety Prevention Manager said: “We would recommend taking extra care, by making sure you don’t get distracted when cooking, this could be by your phone or chatting with family or friends. If you leave the stove, even for a short period of time, turn off the cooking.

“A fire involving someone’s home is an absolutely devastating event, that not only affects individuals and their families, but neighbours and members of the wider community. The impact of fire is often long lasting and cannot be underestimated. It is such a shame because most, if not all fires involving cooking, could be easily prevented.”

Top Tips

There are several things you can do to prevent fires when using a cooker:-

• turn saucepans so the handles don't stick out over the edge of the hob or over another ring
• keep anything that can catch fire - potholders, oven mitts, wooden utensils, paper or plastic bags, food packaging, towels, or curtains - away from your cooker top
• double check that the cooker is off when you have finished cooking
• keep the oven, hob and grill clean - built-up fat and bits of food can start a fire
• take care if you’re wearing loose clothing as it can catch fire easily
• don't cook if you have been drinking alcohol or taken prescription drugs - you may get drowsy and/or lose concentration

Toxic smoke

Should a fire break out your family and friends need to be aware of the danger of toxic smoke, most people vastly underestimate its deadly strength. They overestimate how long they have to escape should a fire break out. The reality is that just two to three breaths of smoke in a fire can render a person unconscious.

Smoke Alarms

Stay alive and stay safe with a smoke alarm

DSFRS remind you that a working smoke alarm will greatly increase your chances of escaping from a fire unharmed. Without one you and your family are more than twice as likely to die in a fire at home.

Check that a smoke alarm is fitted on each level of your property:

• once a year – change your battery or consider buying a ten-year alarm which will not require frequent battery changes
• once a week – check the alarm by pressing the button
• once a year -   vacuum and wipe the smoke alarm casing to ensure dust isn’t blocking the sensor chamber (For mains wired alarms, switch off first).

Plan an escape route – make sure you and your family know the quickest way out in the event of fire.

If a fire does break out in the home, then Get out, Stay out and Call 999.

To request free Home Safety advice call free on: now 0800 05 02 999. For any other fire safety advice, contact the Devon & Somerset Fire & Rescue helpline on: 01392 872288 or visit our website www.dsfire.gov.uk