Tips for cooking chips safely
If you intend to cook chips in a traditional chip pan you should follow these fire safety tips:
- Don't cook after drinking alcohol
- Don't throw water on a chip pan fire
- Don't overfill a chip pan with oil - never fill it more than one-third full
- Take care when cooking with hot oil - it sets alight easily
- If the oil starts to smoke, it's too hot. Turn off the heat and leave it to cool
- Do not leave cooking unattended and avoid leaving children in the kitchen alone when cooking on the hob
- Make sure food is dry before putting it in hot oil so it doesn't splash
What to do if a pan catches fire
- Don't take any risks
- Turn off the heat if it is safe to do so
- NEVER throw water over it
- Don't tackle the fire yourself
- If it is safe to do so, close any internal doors as you exit
- Get Out, Stay Out, Call 999
Alternative ways to enjoy chips
- Microwave them. It's quick, easy and they taste just as good
- Choose oven chips instead. Not only are they safer to cook but they're lower in fat too
- Instead of cooking chips at home, why not buy a portion of chips from the local chip shop?
- Use a thermostat controlled electric deep fat fryer. They cannot overheat. They are safer to use and look better in the kitchen!
To help keep you and your family safe from fire, County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Service provides free home fire safety advice. Please contact 0191 916 0217 or 0191 916 0214 or visit the section under 'Your Safety' for further information.