Safe Cooking Tips

Always use cooking equipment that has the label of a recognized testing laboratory such as Underwriters Laboratories.
Check electrical cords for cracks, breaks, or damage.
Check food that is cooking regularly; use a timer to remind you that you are cooking.
Have a kid-free zone of at least 3 feet around the stove.
Keep anything that can catch fire - oven mitts, wooden utensils, towels, curtains - away from your stovetop.
Keep the stovetop, burners, and oven clean.
Never hold a child while cooking, drinking, or carrying hot foods or liquids.
Never leave boiling, frying, or broiling food unattended.
Plug microwave ovens or other cooking appliances directly into an outlet.
Wear short, close-fitting, or tightly rolled sleeves when cooking.

Cooking equipment is involved in over 30% of home structure fires. What you should do:

Just get out! When you leave, close the door behind you to help contain the fire.
Call 911 after you leave.
If you do try to fight the fire, be sure others are already getting out and you have a clear path to the exit.
Always keep a lid nearby when you’re cooking. If a small grease fire starts in a pan, smother the flames by carefully sliding the lid over the pan. Turn off the burner. Do not move the pan.
In case of an oven fire, turn off the heat and keep the door closed. Clean the oven before using it again.

Check your propane cylinder hose for leaks before igniting.
Keep children and pets away from the grill area by declaring a 3-foot kid-free zone.
Never add charcoal starter fluid when coals have already been ignited.
Periodically remove grease and fat buildup in trays below the grill so it cannot be ignited by a hot grill.
Place the grill at a safe distance from lawn games, play areas, and shrubs/trees.
Position the grill well away from siding and deck railings and out from under eaves.
Put out several long-handled grilling tools to give the chef plenty of clearance from the heat and flames.
Use barbecue grills only outdoors!