South Wales Fire and Rescue Service took to the streets of Cardiff last weekend giving out free chips and safety tips to rugby fans.

The One Stop Safety Shop warned hundreds of fans who flocked into the capital for the Six Nations Championship clash between Wales and Scotland that cooking at home after drinking can have tragic consequences.

Fire-fighters gave away free cones of chips to hungry supporters stressing that it is safer to opt for takeaway food rather than cook at home after consuming alcohol.

Old-style chip pan fires remain one of the biggest hazards faced by South Wales Fire and Rescue Service and drowsiness caused by consuming alcohol combined with the quick time taken for a chip pan to heat up can mean a potential tragedy that South Wales Fire and Rescue Service are determined to help people avoid.

Chief Fire Officer for South Wales Fire and Rescue Service, Andy Marles said:

 This was a great opportunity for us to reach out into the wider community and speak to as many people as possible about the dangers of cooking after drinking.

“The consequences of trying to cook a hot meal while under the influence of alcohol can be extremely serious, even fatal, and we cannot stress strongly enough how dangerous trying to cook after a night out can be.

“Opting for a takeaway meal is definitely a safer option and will help to ensure the celebrations continue safely and tragedy is avoided.” 

Visitors to the One Stop Safety Shop were also given a wallet card containing a telephone number for Dragon Taxi’s based in Cardiff, the Just-Eat Take Away delivery website address and the FREE Home Fire Safety number (0800 169 1234).

Free fire safety advice was also at hand, free smoke alarms and entry into a competition to win free take away for a whole year.

South Wales Fire and Rescue Service will be at St John’s Square, Cardiff, once again on March 20^th for the Wales V Italy match, providing more safety advice and giving away more free chips and tips on how to stay safe after a night out.

Make sure you visit the One Stop Safety Shop or visit www.southwales-fire.gov.uk.

Cooking Safely Tips

• Never cook food, especially fried food, after drinking alcohol – ‘Drinking and Cooking Don’t Mix’
• If you need to eat after alcohol, consider your local takeaway before going home or order some food for delivery
• Think about preparing something before you go out to eat when you get home.
• If you cook chips or deep-fried food at any other time, follow these guidelines:
• Never fill the pan more than one third full with oil
• Never leave the pan unattended with the heat on – even for a few seconds
• Dry the chips before putting them in the pan
• Never put the chips in the pan if the oil begins to give off smoke. Turn off the heat and leave the oil to cool otherwise it could catch fire
• Use a thermostatically controlled electric deep-fat fryer.  It cannot overheat

If you are confronted with a chip pan fire, leave the kitchen, close the door behind you, get everyone out of the house, stay out, and call the Fire and Rescue Service out.

Anyone in Wales can call the national freephone number, 0800 169 1234 to request a free home fire safety check. Firefighters from your local area will then attend your home at your convenience, to give advice on fire safety in the home and fit smoke alarms for free.