Fire safety

Barbecues

Warm weather and lighter evenings are a perfect time to light a barbecue. We have a few tips which will reduce the risk of fire during or after cooking -

• always let your barbecue cool down before taking it back indoors – it can stay hot and release carbon monoxide fumes for several hours
• never store or use a barbecue including disposable on a balcony, they pose a fire and carbon monoxide risk
• keep an eye on children and pets to avoid any accidents
• if you're enjoying an alcoholic drink, be sure to stay alert around the barbecue – it’s easy to lose concentration, and taking care can help avoid any mishaps

If you live in a council home, you must not light fires in the premises, except in a portable barbecue or other similar appropriate equipment situated in the yard or garden and used in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.  To do so, would breach the conditions as set out in your tenancy agreement.

Find more tips on barbecue safety on the Humberside Fire and Rescue website.

Cooking

More fires and fire injuries are caused by carelessness in the kitchen than anywhere else in the home

If you must leave the kitchen whilst you’re cooking, do not leave pans unattended. The safest thing to do is switch off the hob and take pans off the heat until you come back in.

We have put together some tips for when you are cooking -

• when you’ve finished cooking, double-check that everything is off – including the oven and hob - and that any hot surfaces are clear
• be careful of wearing loose clothing when you cook and keep tea towels and dish cloths clear of the hob or cooker
• never dry towels on or near a cooker
• over time, grease can build up in the oven, hob and extractor -keeping them clean will reduce the risk of fire
• do not cook if you’re feeling -
  • tired
  • have been drinking alcohol
  • are on medication that makes you feel drowsy
• never allow cables to trail across a cooker
• if you use a toaster, make sure it’s not directly below cupboards when in use
• if you use an air fryer, clean the appliance regularly and ensure it is placed on a stable heat-resistant surface with good ventilation and never leave it unattended while cooking
• always keep cleaning materials and cooking oils away from sources of heat and electrical sockets

You need to be especially careful when you are deep-fat frying or cooking with oil because hot oil can catch fire easily. Make sure you don’t fill a chip pan or other deep-fat fryer more than one-third full of oil. Use a thermostat-controlled deep-fat fryer, which will make sure the fat does not get too hot. You can find more guidance on fire safety whilst cooking on the Humberside fire and rescure website.