Safe cooking
Watch the Pot
- Never leave cooking unattended - Turn it Off Before Your Turn Away .
- Cooking fires are one of the most common causes of house fires in Tasmania.
Clear the Cooking Area
- Curtains, tea towels, oven mitts and any flammable items should be kept well away from the cooking area.
Control the Splatter
- Cook with the right size pan and keep the heat low so that fat doesn't spatter or overflow onto the cooktop.
No Water Needed
- Water does not put out fat or oils fires - so don't use it;
- If you put water on this type of fire significant and horrific burn injuries could occur and the fire will be spread more rapidly.
Smothering the Flame
If a fire does start on the stove -
- Turn off the heat source either on the stove or at the fuse box;
- Smother the fire with a large pan, lid or fire blanket;
- Do not remove the pan, lid or fire blanket until the pot has cooled, as the fire will re-ignite if the oil is still hot; and
- Never carry a burning pot - horrific burn injuries can occur.
