As Shrove Tuesday approaches, anticipation for delicious pancakes rises across the UK but Hereford and Worcester Fire and Rescue Service have urged people to prioritise safety over creativity in the kitchen.
While the allure of warm pancakes with lemon juice and sugar is undeniable, the risks associated with cooking, particularly with hot oil, demand attention.
Emma Roberts, head of prevention at Hereford & Worcester Fire and Rescue Service, said, “Making pancakes can be lots of fun for the whole family, however, over half of all accidental fires in the home start in the kitchen so please take care, especially when cooking with hot oil.”
She offered advice to prevent an accident.
When using a frying pan or cooking with hot oil, people are being reminded not to leave pans unattended when the heat is switched on and do not move the pan if it is on fire.
She added people should never throw water over a pan when it was on fire, and to evacuate and call 999.
Making sure smoke alarms are working will greatly increase people’s chances of escaping unharmed.
Visit safelincs.co.uk/hfsc/ to complete a free online Home Fire Safety Check.
Anyone who thinks they might qualify for a free Home Fire Safety Visit can call the HWFRS Prevention team on 0800 032 1155.
