Derbyshire fire bosses issue safety advice as Muslims mark Ramadan

Derbyshire fire chiefs have issued safety advice for the holy month of Ramadan, which will be observed by most of the world's 1.6billion Muslims.
The Quran.The Quran.
The Quran.

Ramadan - which started last night and will end on June 25 - is one of the five pillars of Islam and marks the month that the Quran was first revealed to the Prophet Muhammed.

A Derbyshire Fire and Rescue Service spokesman said: "During Ramadan, Muslims fast during daylight hours and only eat and drink from dusk until dawn.

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"Because of this, cooking and meal preparation usually takes place before sunrise and after sunset, meaning that Muslims will be preparing food late at night and very early in the morning.

"As time goes on and as fatigue becomes more prominent, accidents could occur more easily.

"With this in mind, we would like to share some relevant safety messages to help you have a safe and blessed month of Ramadan."

According to the brigade, when cooking during Ramadan, you should make sure that you:

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- Never leave cooking unattended, especially if you feel tired

- Take extra care if you need to leave the kitchen while cooking

- Make sure saucepan handles don't stick out otherwise these could be easily knocked off the stove

- Take care when cooking with hot oil as it sets alight easily

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- Take care if you're wearing loose clothing as this can easily catch fire. If this happens, remember to stop, drop and roll

- Double check your cooker is off when you have finished cooking

- Keep your oven, hob and grill clean and in good working order. A build-up of fat and grease can ignite a fire

You should also ensure that you:

- Make an escape plan and practice it. This will help ensure everyone knows the procedure in case of a fire

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- Keep all escape routes clear. This will minimise the chance of tripping or falling while exiting your home in an emergency

- Keep door and window keys in a known and accessible place so these can be found quickly in the event of a fire

- Have a bedtime routine of switching everything off and closing all the doors

- Have at least one working smoke alarm on every level of your home

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Richard Wort, prevention and inclusion station manager at the brigade, said: "Ramadan is a time of great importance but it is also a time in which everyone should be extra vigilant when cooking, especially if they're feeling tired or fatigued.

"It is also essential procedures are in place to give families the best possible chance of escape, if the unthinkable was to happen.

"Planning a safe escape route and having working smoke alarms installed on every level of the home gives you the best possible chance of escaping a fire, allowing you to get out, stay out and call 999."