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.
