MANY youngsters will be spending more time in the kitchen than usual over half term, and Dorset Fire and Rescue Service is encouraging people to make sure children learn about safety.

Whether they are lending a hand or looking for a snack, it is important parents and carers make any kitchen activities a chance to develop awareness of kitchen hazards.

Safe and Well manager Vikki Thomas said:

“There are lots of creative ways to teach children about cooking fire safety. And, it’s absolutely vital that they know what to do if the worst should happen.

“So alongside the melting, mixing and making, why not take the chance to pass on your fire safety knowhow? Test your smoke alarms as part of the activity.

"And remember, never leave a child alone with a hot hob, and help keep them safe by moving matches and saucepan handles out of their reach.”

And the children don’t have to be in the kitchen to change the way you work – distraction while cooking is a main cause of fire call-outs right across the country.

Vikki Thomas continued: “Half of all accidental fires in the home start in the kitchen - often because of distractions like phone calls or family. Whatever happens elsewhere in your home, always make sure you have one eye on the hob or oven.”

Healthy eating organisation Vitality have created a hub for healthy family recipes to get children eating better and adopting healthy habits.

Please click here for more information.