[05 February 2008]

Chip Pan Safety

Chip pans are a major cause of house fires and with National Chip Week taking place on 11th - 17th February, East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service are offering some simple fire safety advice to help keep you and your family safe.

Chip pan fires are very serious indeed. Often all it takes is an interruption, such as a telephone call or a knock at your door and the pan can be easily forgotten.

East Sussex Fire & Rescue Service suggests the following safety tips:

• Under no circumstances use water on a chip pan, this will cause it to explode into a fireball.
• Never have a chip pan over a third full of oil or fat in the first instance.
• Make sure that you have a clear escape route planned.
• Never try to move the pan if it has caught fire.
• If possible turn off the source of heat, only do this if it can be done without placing yourself in any risk.

For more information about chip pan safety contact the community safety team on 0800 1777069.