Don’t let Valentine’s Day get too hot to handle

Figures show 57 per cent of fires started in the kitchen last year.

Make sure your Valentine’s Day celebrations don’t get too hot to handle this month.

Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service is urging members of the public to stay safe in the home and has released some fire safety tips.

According to figures 57 per cent of fires started in the kitchen during 2012.

Rather than ruining a romantic meal the fire service has issued the following advice:

Cooking safely:

- 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 do not stick out over the edge of the hob or over another ring make sure tea-towels aren’t hanging over the cooker and not 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

- Check the cooker is off when you have finished cooking

When using candles:

- Place candles on a heat resistant surface and in a proper candle holder, to ensure they do not fall over.

- Keep them away from draughts, curtains, other fabrics or furniture, clothes and hair.

Smoke alarms:

-Always ensure your property has a working smoke alarm fitted on each level of your property.