• Always monitor what you are cooking. Turn off the stove if you need to leave the kitchen for any reason. If you are simmering, boiling, or baking food, remember to check them regularly. Never leave your home when the stove or oven is lit.
• Keep any item that can burn at least three feet away from the stove top. This includes, but is not limited to, dishtowels, oven mitts and pot holders, paper or plastic bags, and curtains.
• Keep your stovetop and burners clean — remove any grease or food remnants.
• Keep a fire extinguisher handy in the kitchen. Make sure you know how to use it and what type of fire extinguisher will put out common kitchen fires, such as grease fires.
• Plug microwaves directly into an outlet. Plugging a microwave into an extension cord can overload the circuit and cause a fire.

If you see a fire or your smoke detector goes off:

• Calmly exit the building/home.
• Find alternative ways out if you see smoke under a door.
• Be sure to touch each door with the back of your hand before opening it. If door feels hot, find alternative exits.
• Stay low to avoid smoke and other fumes; crawl on the ground to exit.
• Remember, stop, drop, and roll if your clothes do catch fire. Stop where you are; Drop to the floor; Roll over and back again to extinguish the flames.
• Be sure to call 9-1-1 once you are out of harm’s way.
• In a multi-story building, if you get trapped on a non-ground-level floor, stay near a window and close to the floor. Signal for assistance out the window.
• Here is a list of local fire departments.

Cooking Safety Tips:

• Keep pot handles turned inward.
• Keep cooking surfaces and surrounding areas free from clutter and grease build-up.
• Use pot holders and oven mitts.
• Avoid wearing loose clothing with flowing sleeves while cooking.
• Take a reminder with you if you must leave the kitchen with food cooking on the stovetop.
• Always be watchful and alert when you cook