Two thirds of all domestic fires are caused by cooking, making the kitchen the most dangerous place in your home.  7000 people are injured each year as a result of kitchen fires.

Below is some advice for cooking with chip pans.

ûNever leave the pan unattended.

ûNever fill the pan more than 1/3 full.

üAlways test the temperature before putting the chips in.  Use a small piece of bread.  If it crisps up then the oil is ready.

üDry the chips before placing them in the oil

üIf blue smoke appears, switch off the heat - the pan is near to catching fire.

üConsider using a thermostatically controlled deep fat fryer.

If the pan does catch fire;

	DO NOT MOVE THE PAN - Don't be tempted to carry the pan outside. DO NOT PUT WATER ONTO THE FIRE AS THIS WILL CAUSE AN EXPLOSION!!! Click to see what happens when water is put onto the fire.
	Do not take risks. Turn off the heat if it is safe to do so, leave the building, closing all doors behind you, and dial 999, asking for the "Fire and Rescue Service." Remember; Get Out, Get the Fire Service Out, Stay Out!
	If the fire is in an early stage, and can be tackled safely, Dial 999, and ask for the "Fire and Rescue Service" immediately.
	Switch off the heat if it is safe to do so.
	If you have a fire blanket, put it over the fire.  You must be aware that your hands are vulnerable to burns when using a fire blanket. - DO NOT USE A FIRE EXTINGUISHER. If you do not have a fire blanket, or feel unable to tackle the fire, leave the building, closing all doors behind you.
	Leave the pan to cool for at least 30 minutes.  On arrival of the Fire & Rescue Service, they will check that the pan is safe.