The hidden dangers of Pancake Day!

For a day focused on eating it may surprise you that Shrove Tuesday, or pancake day as it is more commonly called, is actually fraught with danger!

Pancake day, the day preceding Ash Wednesday, always falls 47 days before Easter and this year will be celebrated on Tuesday 16^th February.

Despite its links to the centuries old festival of Lent Pancake Day was not celebrated until years later as a way of using up rich foods, such as eggs, milk and sugar before the 40 days of fasting. It was a way for families to remove tempting foods from their cupboards before Lent leaving them with just the staples egg, flour, salt and milk.

Today people enjoy their pancakes covered in syrups, sugar, lemon juice or even savoury toppings. But all of this cooking with hot oil, and the subsequent ‘flipping’ makes for a dinnertime that can easily end in disaster!

Statistics compiled by one UK insurer has demonstrated year on year that claims for damage to property and possessions leap on pancake day. In 2019 there was a 20% increase for damage to property and possessions linked to pancake cooking disasters; with claim values 14% higher than an average days claim.

Stay safe on pancake day

Even without the added ‘helping hands’ on pancake day statistics show that over half of all domestic fires start in the kitchen. Here are our top tips to keep you and your family safe.

Smoke alarms – Make sure you have smoke alarms fitted and working (test them regularly).

Children and pets – Be sure to supervise children around stoves, try to keep pets out of the way when cooking to avoid tripping over them or dealing with them leaping up.

Hot oil – Never leave pans unattended when the heat is on underneath as oil can combust when it becomes too hot. Don’t pour the pancake mix into a pan if the oil is smoking. This means that oil is too hot.

Water and oil – Never use water or a fire extinguisher to put out oil that’s on fire in a pan. One method is to wet a tea towel, wring it out, and then place it over the pan edges. Don’t be tempted to lift it and check – LEAVE IT!

Closing doors – If a fire does start to get out of control, close doors leading into the room to help prevent its spread.

Call the emergency services – Call the emergency services immediately and vacate the property, warning neighbours.

Always double check that the heat is off once you have finished cooking.

For all of your home insurance requirements at any time of the year speak to Evolve Financial Solutions today on 01473 603211.