This month’s fire and rescue column focuses on the dangers of leaving cookers unattended.

We have recently attended six kitchen fires in three weeks. Most of these were because of cooking being left unattended.

Thankfully, no one was seriously hurt in any of the incidents, but they could have been.

We’ve all done it.

’I’ll just pop to the loo while the potatoes are boiling (obviously washing our hands after!).’

Or ’I’ll just check my emails while the chops are under the grill.’

How many times have you answered the door and got distracted and forgotten that you’ve left something on the cooker?

Here are a few tips to keep you, your family and home safe.

â?¢ Never leave cooking unattended. If you need to leave the kitchen, take pans off the heat or turn them down to avoid risk.

â?¢ Take care with loose clothing, tea towels and cloths close to rings or burners.

â?¢ Never leave anything on top of the hob, even if switched off.

â?¢ Make sure saucepan handles aren’t left sticking out. They can easily get knocked over.

â?¢ Never leave children alone in the kitchen while cooking on the hob.

â?¢ Spark devices are safer than matches or lighters to light gas cookers. Keep all matches and lighters out of reach of children.

â?¢ Keep electric leads (toasters or kettles) away from the cooker top.

â?¢ Keep the oven, hob and grill clean. A build-up of fat and grease can ignite a fire.

â?¢ Don’t put anything metal in a microwave.

â?¢ Take care when cooking with hot oil, it sets alight easily. If oil starts to smoke it is too hot and needs to be turned off and allowed to cool. The safest option is using a thermostat controlled electric deep fat fryer.

â?¢ If there is a fire in your kitchen, only turn off the cooker if it is safe to do so. Get out closing the door on the way and stay out. Then call 999.

If you would like any further advice or a free home safety visit call us on 647303.