Tips to prevent cooking fires:

·       Never leave cooking unattended - Two out of five deaths in home cooking fires occur because the cooking was unattended.

·       Keep cooking area clean - Always wipe appliances and surfaces after cooking to prevent grease buildup.

·       Do not store flammable objects near the stove - Curtains, pot holders, dish towels and food packaging can easily catch fire.

·       Always turn pot handles toward the center of the stove - Turning handles inward can prevent pots from being knocked off the stove or pulled down by small children.

·       Wear short or close-fitting sleeves when cooking - Fires can occur when clothing comes in contact with stovetop burners.

·       Heat cooking oil slowly - Heating oil too quickly can easily start a fire. Never leave hot oil unattended.

·       Teach children safe cooking - Young children should be kept at least 3 feet (1 meter) away from the stove while older family members are cooking. Older children should cook only with permission and under the supervision of an adult.