National Chip Week Feb 07

OVEN CHIPS COULD SAVE YOUR LIFE....

NATIONAL CHIP WEEK: 12 - 18 FEBRUARY 2007

North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service is supporting National Chip Week (12 - 18 February 2007) by urging people to cook chips safely.

Station Manager Carl Boasman says "Around 8,200 chip pan fires start each year in the UK. Sadly, these fires result in 31 deaths and nearly 3,000 injuries, so it is vital for householders to cook safely. Many of these injuries and deaths are caused by people trying to tackle or move a chip pan when it catches fire. Our advice is simple, if a chip pan fire starts, turn the heat off if safe to do so. Do not move the pan and never throw water on the fire. Get out, stay out and call 999.""

There are many alternative ways to enjoy chips:

Choose oven chips instead. Not only are they safer to cook but they're lower in fat too.

Microwave them. It's quick, easy and they taste just as good.
Instead of cooking chips at home, why not buy a portion of chips from the local chip shop?
Buy an electric deep fryer and ditch the chip pan. They much safer to use.

Station Manager Carl Boasman concludes "We are offering every home in North Yorkshire a free Home Fire Safety Check. Fire and Rescue Staff will visit your home and give advice and information on how to keep your family safe." He continues "As part of this check, Crews can give advice on safe cooking methods, including the appropriate use of electric deep fryers. Visit http://www.northyorksfire.gov.uk/ or call the Fire Safety Hotline on 01609 788545."

If you must cook chips in a traditional chip pan, you should follow these fire safety tips;

Don't overfill a chip pan with oil - never fill it more than one-third full.
Don't cook after drinking alcohol.
Don't take risks by tackling a fire. Get out, stay out and dial 999.
Don't throw water on a chip pan fire.
In the event of a fire, have an escape route in place.
Get a 10-year battery smoke alarm and test it regularly.