What If?

Just the one, as Mrs Wembley said.
So that I do not over whelm you.

Now the ideas and beliefs that I mention are based on my ongoing search for knowledge and understanding, with taste of experience to help along the way.
Some things I explain are a safer way to do it when you have to get it done due to circumstances.

For example imagine this scenario.
You are behind twenty foot snow drifts.

Then
“If It Is To Be, It Is Up To Me “kicks in.

So the best thing to do is,
“Stop, Look, Listen, Deep Breath, Action”.


Now children are you sitting comfortably?
Then I’ll begin.

What is one of the most common causes of modern day domestic fires?

CHIP PANS

Why do we use chip pans?
“Simples”
They make nicer chips and things than the oven.

Why do they catch fire?
They are left un-attended.

What must we do?
Ring 999 UK / 112 EU / 911 USA; for help, as soon as possible.

If you sometimes wonder what would happen if you dial 911 from a UK landline or mobile? Do you get redirected?
Nothing happens; you would need to dial 999 or 112 to get the desired response


What mustn’t we do?
Add water it will immediately boil, carrying oil upwards, allowing the droplets, to mix with air and explode into a ball of rising fire.


Well Les what have you done?

I put cable TV in the kitchen so I don’t have to wander off to see a show.
My kitchen timer has four simultaneous timers.
I have installed, and check regularly, a smoke alarm.
I use a purpose built electric fryer. The temperature settings have been checked with a digital thermometer probe to ensure perfect results.


Perhaps Most importantly.
I was taught how to put a chip pan fire out.
And made to practice before one ever happened.
Firstly every thing cold and safe and learn to go through the motions.
Then with hot water to ensure an element of danger and get used to using the “shield”


Here goes my how:
I have done it for real read later.

Step one turn off the heat. You stove top does have the controls in front / side of the hobs / burners doesn’t it.

Step two cut off the air, smother it with a tightly fitting lid, use it as a shield as you move to cover, which you did have to hand before you started cooking didn’t you?

Step three open the windows and let the smoke out.

Step four when all is cold you may now move the pan out of the way.

If you add water it will immediately boil, carrying oil upwards, allowing the droplets, to mix with air and explode into a ball of rising fire. (The repeat is deliberate)

Notes:
Step one if you can’t reach the controls; turn off gas / electric at the mains / source.
Step two is to use a damp not wet tea towel, again hold it in front of you as a shield, think of “Zorro”.

Further thoughts;
If the oil is getting worrying hot what next.
Not on yet on fire, turn off the heat.
Now leave to cool, you may carefully add some cold oil.
Now finally you can move things.
If you try to move whilst hot I can almost guarantee oil will be spilt.

I have had to put out a chip pan fire when I was on call one day and it took less than 20 seconds including damping a towel.
The lady now keeps the lid close by.

But how do you stop getting into trouble in the first place?

Do as I do.

Or go to MacDonald’s.

I prefer my option.

When I have a Curry Party I like to deep fry pupadoms myself in a wok.
I attach the probe to the wok, with the tip in the oil, my probe has a wireless temperature alarm, set 5 degrees low, and so I can leave the oil under electronic supervision, the alarm on me.
”BEEP, BEEP, BEEP” means I move now.
The party carries on, without me, until I return with the pupadoms.

Now for the science.
Fire needs heat (the stove), fuel (the oil), oxygen (in the air).
Remove one it will go out, remove two it will stay out.

There endeth the lessen today.
I hope you never need to use it.

Seezya Les