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Fire service issue warning about cooking whilst drunk

Image: Devon and Somerset Fire & Rescue

It's part of alcohol awareness week

In the last 5 years (2012-2017) Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service has attended 2873 kitchen fire incidents. They suspect of those, 302 involved a person who was under the influence of alcohol and they believe, was a contributory factor. 

The service has released the figures as part of alcohol awareness week. 

Darren Walker at Drink Wise, Age Well said: "We’re partnering Devon & Somerset Fire & Rescue Service with the ‘Look When You Cook’ initiative as its key messages overlap with what we at Drink Wise, Age Well are advocating. Older adults who could be isolated, or drinking too much alcohol are particularly at risk of having a house fire, with potentially devastating outcomes. 

"The statistics that DSFRS show relating to fires and alcohol is a particularly worrying trend, highlighting the need to be more aware of the effects of cooking whilst drinking alcohol. DWAW and DSFRS joint partnership will help raise awareness, and promote best practice in helping older adults make more informed decisions around alcohol and cooking safety''

 

The Fire Service advises the following:

·         Take care if you need to leave the kitchen whilst cooking;

·         Take pans off the heat or turn them down to avoid risk;

·         If a pan catches fire, don’t take risks instead GET OUT, STAY OUT and CALL 999;

·         Double check the hob is off when you’ve finished cooking;

·         Keep tea towels and cloths away from the cooker and hob;

·         Avoid leaving children in the kitchen alone, when cooking;

·         Keep matches and saucepan handles out of their reach to keep them safe;

·         Get a smoke alarm and test it weekly.

You can request free Home Safety advice by calling 0800 05 02 999. For any other fire safety advice, contact the Devon & Somerset Fire & Rescue helpline on: 01392 872288 or visit their website.

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