KITCHEN SAFETY

Enforce a “kid-free zone” of three feet around your stove.

Wear short or tight fitting sleeves when cooking. Long, loose sleeves are more likely to catch on fire or get caught on pot handles.

Keep things that can catch fire such as dish towels, curtains, or paper at least three feet away from the stove.

Do not leave cooking food unattended. Stay in the kitchen when you are frying, grilling, or broiling food. If you leave the kitchen, even for a short time, turn off the stove.

Turn pot handles inward, facing the wall to prevent burns caused by overturning or spills.

Use pot holders or oven mitts to prevent burns when handling hot dishes.

Regularly clean your cooking equipment so that there is no accumulation of cooking materials, food items, or grease.

Have a pot lid handy to smother a pan fire. Do not attempt to pick up the pot or pan. Shut off the heat and cover the fire with a lid.

If there is an oven fire, turn off the heat, and keep the door closed to prevent flames from burning you and your clothing. Have the oven serviced before you use it again.