Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service encourage Muslim communities to stay safe this Ramdan

Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service is encouraging our local Muslim communities to celebrate Ramadan safely and at home.

The holy month of Ramadan begins in the UK on Thursday 23 April and finishes Sunday 24 May and the Service is asking people who are celebrating the religious festival to do so safely at home and to take care when cooking during the early mornings or late at night.

Many Muslim families are expected to fast during daylight hours, not eating or drinking for potentially up to 17 hours a day. They then eat a special meal, called Suhoor, usually, with family members and friends just before sunrise and another known as the Iftar, directly after sunset.

Given the uncertainty that Covid-19 brings, there is no doubt that Ramadan this year will look very different. But there are many ways to still to worship, reflect and celebrate Ramdan, digitally and virtually with loved ones. 

It is important that those who are taking part in the religious tradition take extra care when cooking early in the morning or late at night as many fires in the home are started in the kitchen. 

A number of hazards exist when cooking, ranging from pans filled with hot oil, loose flowing clothing and distractions such as children in the kitchen area while food is being prepared.

Follow these simple fire safety suggestions to help keep you and your family and friends safe this Ramadan:

·       Never leave your cooking unattended, and take care when deep frying food.

·       Never fill the pan more than one third full of oil. If the oil starts to smoke turn off the heat and leave the pan to cool. NEVER THROW            WATER OVER THE PAN.

·       When cooking, take care with long hair and loose clothing

·       Consider replacing naked flames with battery operated lights in candles, lanterns and lamps.

·       Most importantly make sure you have a working smoke alarm, test it regularly and plan an escape route.

·       Finally, if a fire does break out, get out, stay out and call 999.

Nick Evans, Head of Prevention at Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service, said: "Ramadan is an important time in the Islamic calendar but it’s important that people observe it safely. By following these few simple precautions, you can greatly reduce the risks to yourself and your family of having a fire in your home.

"I would especially urge those who will be cooking before sunrise and after sunset to ensure they have a working smoke alarm installed on every floor of their home. If there is a fire, a smoke alarm will immediately warn you, giving you and everyone in your home time to escape to safety.

“Ramadan is about connecting to God through worship, reflection, compassion and giving back to others. Please celebrate Ramadan in the safest way possible: in your homes.”

While Covid-19 has created some challenges, equality and inclusion is at the heart of everything we do at Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service, and it is really important that the Service is flexible and accommodating of our own staff who will be taking part Ramadan as possible.

Nick Evans added: “I would like to wish all our Muslim employees, their family, friends and all the Muslin communities across Cheshire a very happy and safe Ramadan.”

Further advice is available on the website www.cheshirefire.gov.uk