Pancake Day, is a day when people around the world celebrate by making and eating pancakes. It's a fun and delicious holiday, but it's important to remember that cooking can also pose a fire hazard. In fact, cooking fires are one of the leading causes of house fires, so it's crucial to follow some simple fire safety tips to ensure that your Pancake Day celebrations are both enjoyable and safe.
So, we fire up the hob, find the recipe (which is probably in the same place we put it in the cupboard last pancake day), and take time to decide the choice of topping; from Lemon & Sugar, Nutella, Fruits or anything that takes your fancy. (Thinking about it, is there anything that doesn't taste good on Pancakes?).
We then prepare to eat more pancakes than we probably need to, but before we do, we need to ensure we take care as there are potential fire safety risks.
Once you have chosen your topping of choice, and you wait for those delicious pancakes to cook, it's easy to become distracted by the aroma, so sorry to be the bearer of bad news but frying pan fires really do take hold quickly with potentially devastating consequences.
So, we would just like to provide the following fire safety tips:
Keep your cooking area clean: Keep your cooking area clear of clutter and flammable items. For instance, don't place dish towels or paper towels too close to the stove.
Avoid loose clothing: Loose clothing, such as long sleeves, can easily catch fire if they come in contact with the stove or open flame. Make sure to wear clothing that fits properly and does not dangle over the stove.
Use a timer: Set a timer to remind you when it's time to flip your pancakes. This can help prevent overcooking, which can lead to smoke and fire. (Pro-Pancake "flipping" tip: Remember to apply the same action as you would use when making a stir-fry with a wok – it’s just about employing a confident flick of the wrist.).
Keep children and pets away: Children and pets should be kept away from the stove and cooking area. They can easily knock over pans or touch hot surfaces, leading to burns or fires.
If the pan does catch fire:
When you have finished cooking, please be sure that all the appliances are turned off and the cooking area is clean and tidy to prevent any distractions so you can tuck it into your pancake of choice and enjoy!
Pancake Day is a fun and delicious holiday, but it's also important to stay safe while cooking. By following these simple fire safety tips, you can reduce the risk of a cooking-related fire and enjoy your pancakes with peace of mind. We hope you all have a fantastic, and safe, pancake day!
