THE Isle of Man Fire and Rescue Service has highlighted the dangers of conventional chip pans.

It has recommended that members of the public replace their chip pans with deep fat fryers or cook oven chips instead.

However for those with chip pans the fire service has issued the following safety advice:

Do not

•         Do not fill the pan with more then one third of oil
•         Never attempt to use a chip pan when under the influence of alcohol
•         Never leave the pan alone - not even for a few seconds.
•         Never put wet food in the pan

How do you know if the oil is to hot?
Smoke coming from the oil is a good sign the oil is to hot. If you see this occur turn of the heat and wait for it to cool before adding any food.

What to do if you have a chip pan fire?

Do
•         Not panic
•         Call the fire service
•         Turn off the heat (if it is safe to do so)
•         Leave the kitchen closing the door behind you, tell everyone in the house to leave. Do not go back for any reason

Do not
•         Put any water on the fire
•         Use a fire extinguisher on the fire
•         Move the pan

For more fire safety advice or a free home safety visit call 01624 647303 or visit www.iomfire.com.