Fry safely during National Chip Week

Fry safely during National Chip Week 15th-21st February

This week is National Chip Week. Everyone enjoys a chip supper but if they are used incorrectly, chip pans and traditional fat fryers can be a major fire hazard. Make sure you cook safely and know what to do if your chip pan catches fire.

Nationally in 2006, there were 4,900 injuries in fires started by cooking appliances. It’s thought that many chip and fat pan fires are caused by late night cooking, particularly by men, under the influence of alcohol. Nationally, 43 per cent of chip pan casualties took place between 8pm and 4am, and more than 30 per cent between 10pm and 4am.

Leaving pans full of fat bubbling away can be lethal as the overheated oil will ignite.  All you need is an interruption like a telephone call, or even worse, to fall asleep while the chips are cooking.

London Fire Brigade is using National Chip Week to promote updated Government guidelines on what to do in the event of a chip pan fire.

If your chip pan catches fire don’t take any risks. Turn off the heat if it’s safe to do so. Never throw water over it. Don’t tackle the fire yourself. Get out and stay out and call 999.

Historically, the advice was that it was possible to tackle and extinguish a chip pan fire by running a tea towel under a tap, wringing it out and then placing it over the rim of the pan. The new guidance ‘to get out and stay out’, is in line with all the other advice given to the general public by fire and rescue services about not tackling fires.

As well as highlighting the nutritional value of chips, National Chip Week, organised by the British Potato Council, provides the perfect opportunity to get kitchen safety messages across and encourage people to switch to safer ways of frying.

Cooking safely

Simply changing the way you cook can prevent fire. Invest in a deep fat fryer or opt for oven chips as an alternative. If you are still using a chip pan or traditional fat fryer in your home be sure to follow these simple rules to reduce fire hazards and cook safely.

• If you have to use a chip pan never fill it over a third full with oil or fat.
• Never be tempted to cook with a chip pan after consuming alcohol.
• Never leave the pan alone with the heat on – not even for a few seconds
• Never put the chips in the pan if the oil has started smoking. Turn off the heat and leave the oil to cool down, or else it could catch fire

In the event of a fire

In the event of a fire follow these guidelines:

• Don't panic and don’t take risks.
• Don't move the pan.
• Never throw water or use a fire extinguisher on a hot fat fire.
• If it's safe to do so - turn off the heat, but never lean over the pan to reach the controls.
• Leave the kitchen, close the door behind you, tell everyone else in the home to get out and don’t go back inside for any reason.
• Call 999

For more information on National Chip Week: http://www.lovechips.co.uk/