Wildfires tend to be the first thing that come to mind when we hear the word “fire.” The U.S. Fire Administration is working to remind people of the fire dangers in our own homes. On a regular basis we will be bringing you tips on how to prevent fires from starting in the home. We are starting with cooking, the leading cause of home fires and home fire injuries.

• Keep an eye on what you fry. If your pan catches on fire, keep it where it is – do not move it! Slide the pan lid or a cookie sheet on top of the pan to take away the air. Turn off the heat and keep the lid on the pan until it is cool. Never try to stop a grease or oil fire with water.
• Be prepared when cooking. Make the cooking area safe by keeping children and pets at least three feet from a hot stove; clear the area around the stove before you turn it on; turn pot handles towards the back of the stove; keep a pan lid or cookie sheet nearby to cover the pan if it catches fire; move things that can burn away from the stove such as dishtowels, bags, paper, etc.
• Oven and microwave fires. Turn the oven off and keep the door closed. Call 9-1-1 for firefighters to check that fire did not get into the walls. Keep the microwave door closed and unplug it if you can.

Learn more about fire prevention from the U.S. Fire Administration at www.usfa.fema.gov/prevention.