Cook safely and avoid kitchen fires

Kitchen fires started by cooking are the No. 1 cause of home fires. Learn more about keeping your home and your family safe from cooking fires.  What’s the main cause of fires when cooking?  People leaving cooking food unattended. This can lead to frying grease igniting, cooktop flames getting out of control, or electric burners igniting potholders, towels, or paper that are close by.  How can cooking fires be prevented?  Set a timer when you start cooking something. This will remind you if you get distracted and help you remember to get food off the stove before a fire starts.   What are some safety tips for kids in the kitchen?  Keep an eye on children and don’t leave them alone in the kitchen. Set up a 3-foot zone around anything that’s cooking and keep your children or pets out of that area. The zone also prevents kids and pets from pulling the plugs on electric appliances or being near a boiling pot that might spill over.  What do you do if your microwave catches on fire?  If your microwave catches on fire, unplug it from the wall and don’t open the door until the fire is out.  What’s the most common cooking injury?  Scald injuries from hot liquids are the No. 1 injury when it comes to cooking. Be careful with hot coffee and hot liquids on the stove.  What are some other tips for home fire safety?  Make sure your smoke alarms are working.  Test smoke alarms monthly and replace them every 10 years.  Practice your home escape plan with your family.  Pick an outdoor meeting spot if you need to leave your house.  After you leave your house, don’t go back in. Tell firefighters if someone or a pet is still inside.