How do I prevent kitchen fires?

Kitchen fires are the leading cause of home fires. Follow these safety tips to prevent cooking fires:

• Stay in the kitchen when frying, grilling, or broiling food
• Keep flammables away from the stovetop (towels, packaging, curtains)
• Turn pot handles inward to prevent spills and burns
• Keep a lid nearby to smother grease fires - never use water
• Have a fire extinguisher within easy reach of the kitchen

If a grease fire occurs, turn off the heat and cover the pan with a metal lid. Never carry a burning pan outside. If the fire grows beyond the pan, evacuate and call 911.