Cooking Safety

Stay in the kitchen. Stay alert. Stay safe.

Cooking is the leading cause of home fires and home fire injuries in the United States. Most of these fires start when food is left unattended on the stove. The good news? Nearly every cooking fire is preventable.

Top Tips for Safe Cooking

1. Stay in the kitchen.
Never leave food unattended while frying, grilling, or broiling. If you must step away, turn off the stove—even for a short time.

2. Keep things that can burn away from the stove.
Towels, oven mitts, food packaging, and wooden utensils can easily catch fire. Keep them at least three feet from your cooking area.

3. Dress for safety.
Avoid loose-fitting clothing or dangling sleeves while cooking – they can brush against burners and ignite.

4. Watch what you heat.
Keep a close eye on oil – it can catch fire quickly. If you see wisps of smoke or smell something burning, turn off the heat right away.

5. Turn pot handles inward.
This helps prevent children or pets from knocking hot pans off the stove.

6. Keep kids and pets at least 3 feet away.
Create a “kid-free zone” around the cooking area to avoid burns and spills.

If a Cooking Fire Starts

For a small grease fire on the stove:

• Smother the flames by sliding a lid over the pan and turning off the burner.
• Do not move the pan.
• Never use water—it can cause the fire to spread.
• Leave the lid on until the pan has completely cooled.

If a fire starts in the oven or microwave:

• Turn it off and keep the door closed.
• If flames don’t go out quickly or spread, get out and call 911 immediately.

Be Ready, Just in Case

• Keep a lid or cookie sheet nearby while cooking—use it to smother small flames.
• Have a fire extinguisher in or near the kitchen, and make sure you know how to use it (“Pull, Aim, Squeeze, Sweep”).
• Install and test smoke alarms on every level of your home, especially near the kitchen (but not directly above the stove).

Cook with Care — Protect What Matters Most

Whether it’s a quick breakfast or a holiday feast, safe cooking starts with paying attention. A few small habits—like staying in the kitchen and keeping things tidy—can prevent a tragedy and keep your family safe.

Fire is fast. Safety is simple.
 Practice cooking safety every day!