Keep looking when cooking

Many of these devastating incidents could have been prevented if those involved had been more alert and remembered the phrase ‘turn off the heat before you eat’.

We’re working with Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service (HIWFRS) to promote the Southampton Recipe for Success COOK campaign to share useful advice and tips on how to keep your kitchen fire-safe.

The key message is to ‘keep looking when cooking’ as firefighters say the contributing factor for kitchen fires is distraction. This is particularly important for those who live alone, as 53% of the cooking-related fires in the city last year occurred in lone households.

Remember to always remain alert when preparing food and follow these key ingredients to stay safe:

• CLEAR – Keep tea towels, cloths and electrical leads away from the oven and hob.
• OVEN – Switch off the oven and hob when you’ve finished cooking and remove pans from the heat.
• OIL – A build-up of cooking oil/grease can increase the risk of cooking fires so clean regularly.
• KEEP – Keep looking when cooking.

If you know someone who lives alone, please share this information with them to help prevent any more fires from destroying lives and property.

If all that talk of cooking has left you hungry, visit the Recipe for Success website to download free recipe cards, watch cooking safety videos and read more top tips. 

Plus, if you are over 65 or have additional support needs you are eligible for a free home fire safety visit from the fire service. The visits include advice on all areas of home fire safety.