Valentine’s Day is fast approaching, a day when traditionally chocolate, flowers and gifts are exchanged between loved ones.  Maybe you’re planning a romantic candle lit meal at home?

Without wishing to put out the fire of passion, Devon & Somerset Fire & Rescue Service would like to remind you of some fire safety tips in the home. Over 50% of fires start in the kitchen, it’s all too easy to get distracted when cooking your loved one a special meal, especially after a drink.

Rather than ruining a romantic moment, keep the fire safety tips below in mind and stay safe.

Cooking safely
There are several things you can do to prevent fires when using a cooker:
• make sure you don’t get distracted when cooking, even for a short period of time, turn off the cooker
• turn saucepans so the handles don't stick out over the edge of the hob or over another ring make sure tea-towels aren’t hanging over the cooker and don't put oven gloves on top of a hot cooker
• keep anything that can catch fire - potholders, oven mitts, wooden utensils, paper or plastic bags, food packaging, towels, or curtains - away from your cooker top
• double check that the cooker is off when you have finished cooking

Candles are best placed:
• on a heat-resistant surface – be especially careful with night lights and tea lights, which get hot enough to melt plastic
• in a proper candle holder, so they don't fall over
• out of draughts and away from curtains, other fabrics or furniture, which could catch fire
• away from clothes and hair - if there's any chance you could forget a candle is there and lean across it, put it somewhere else

Smoke Alarms
Stay alive and stay safe with a working smoke alarm. This will greatly increase your chances of escaping from a fire unharmed. Without one you and your family are more than twice as likely to die in a fire at home.
 
Check that a smoke alarm is fitted on each level of your property:
• once a year – change your battery or consider buying a ten-year alarm which will not require frequent battery changes
• regularly check your alarms by pressing the button
• once a year -   vacuum and wipe the smoke alarm casing to ensure dust isn’t blocking the sensor chamber (for mains wired alarms, switch off first).

By not getting too caught up in the heat of the moment you’ll hopefully have a sizzling hot but safe Valentine’s night!

Thought about making the call to request free Home Safety advice? Call free now on 0800 05 02 999. For any other fire safety advice, contact the Devon & Somerset Fire & Rescue helpline on: 01392 872288 or visit our website www.dsfire.gov.uk