Held during the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar, Ramadan marks a time of fasting for Muslims all over the world.
People who observe Ramadan abstain from food and drink from dawn until dusk, only eating one meal before sunrise (suhoor) and another after sunset (iftar). Through fasting, Ramadan is a time of prayer, community, and reflection.
Cooking is an important activity during Ramadan and normally takes place very early or late in the day. This can mean that it’s easy to lose concentration or have your attention drawn elsewhere while cooking.
Since cooking fires are the biggest cause of accidental dwelling fires, it is especially important to cook carefully during Ramadan each year.
Here are a few key things you can do to stay safe:
- Loose-fitting garments, as worn by many Muslims, can present a hazard around heat sources and naked flames. When cooking, please tie back clothing or wear something more fitted to reduce the risk.
- Avoid having any karahi (cooking pot) more than one third full with oil. Be extra vigilant when cooking with hot oil. If it starts to smoke, don’t add food. Instead, turn off the heat and allow the pot to cool on its own.
- Oversized pots can be handy when cooking for larger groups but, when using a gas hob, they can starve the flame of oxygen and result in potentially dangerous carbon monoxide levels. Make sure you have a carbon monoxide detector in your kitchen if you cook this way.
For more information about kitchen safety, click here.