Preserving a national tradition may be as good an excuse as any for tucking into a plate of hot chips but there are a few things Cumbria Fire & Rescue Service want people to remember as they enjoy this year's National Chip Week (13-18 February).
Cumbria's Assistant Chief Fire Officer Paul Hancock, said: "Chip pan accidents are still all too regular an occurrence and are a prime example of where we can make major improvements through education.
"Wherever possible, people should use deep-fat fryers which are much safer than traditional chip pans.Quite often when using a chip pan, all people need is an interruption like a telephone call or someone calling at their door for the pan to be forgotten about, with potentially devastating consequences.
In the event of a chip pan fire, Cumbria Fire & Rescue Service recommend the following:
- Don't take risks. Turn off the source of heat, if this can be done without placing yourself at risk
- Have a clear escape route.
- Never think of moving the pan.
- Get everyone out of your home and call the Fire and Rescue Service.
- Under no circumstances use water on a chip pan, as this will cause it to explode into a fireball, spreading the fire and causing severe burns to anyone nearby.
- Never be tempted to cook with a chip pan afterconsuming alcohol.
- In the first instance never have a chip pan over a third full of oil or fat.
For more advice and to arrange a free home safety check, people can contact the Fire & Rescue Service's freephone number 0800-358-4777.
ENDS
Media enquiries to Mark Graham, Media Officer on 01228-606337