Careless cooking starts more residential fires than any other cause. It is easy to develop bad cooking habits, so don’t get burned. Practice kitchen safety and cook smart!

• Never leave food cooking unattended.
• Cook with the lowest effective temperature.
• Do not store cooking fat on the stovetop. A burner on the stovetop could be turned on and start a grease fire.
• Plug-in appliances only when you intend to use the.
• Keep metal out of the microwave and use microwave-safe dishes.
• Keep cooking surfaces clean.
• Do not wear clothing with loose-fitting sleeves while cooking.
• Keep pot handles turned toward the back of the stove to prevent a pot from being knocked off the stove.
• Supervise young children in the kitchen. Keep a kid-safe zone from ovens and stovetops.
• Do not touch or move a flaming pot. By doing so, you may spread the fire or burn yourself.
• Slowly remove the lids of containers heated in a microwave oven. The steam inside the containers can cause severe burns.
• Remove towels, potholders, plastic bags, and other combustible items from around the stovetop.
• Do not hang curtains or other items above stovetops.
• Hang paper towel racks, and towels away from toaster, toaster ovens, and any other heat-producing appliances.
• Do not store electrical appliances in cabinets that have the chance of becoming wet.
• Replace any electrical appliances that have frayed or loose cords or wires that get hot while the appliance is in use.

Stay safe UM.