Staying safe in your kitchen

Fires are more likely to start in your kitchen than any other room in your home, we've put together some advice from the London Fire Brigade (LFB) to help you keep your kitchen safe.

With bubbling pans, open flames and maybe a little one or a pet around, kitchens are potentially dangerous places. Here are the LFB top tips to reduce fire risks: 

•Try not to leave cooking unattended on the hob or grill – if you have to leave the kitchen, turn off the heat. 
•Be fabric aware – loose clothing can easily catch fire, so take care not to lean over a hot hob, and always keep tea towels and cloths away from the cooker and hob.
•Try to keep the oven, hob, cooker hood, extractor fan and grill clean – built up fat and grease can ignite and cause a fire.
•Use spark devices to light gas cookers – they are much safer than matches or lighters, as they don’t have a naked flame. They are safer around children, too.
•Double check the cooker and hob are turned off when you’ve finished cooking – if you're forgetful (or someone you care for can be), why not take a photo if you have a smartphone? The action will remind you to double check every time. 
•Check toasters are clean and not placed under kitchen cabinets or close to anything that can catch fire.
•Never put anything metal in the microwave.

Always keep an eye on children and pets in the kitchen: Don't leave them unsupervised; Put matches away; and keep saucepan handles out of reach.