The kitchen is one of the most popular rooms in your house. Your family gathers there to to prepare and eat meals together. Unfortunately, the kitchen is also one of the most dangerous rooms as well. Cooking equipment is the leading cause of home fires. Here are some cooking fire prevention tips to help keep you and your family safe in the kitchen.

 · Never leave cooking unattended - Two out of five deaths in home cooking fires occur because the cooking was unattended.

 · Keep cooking area clean - Always wipe appliances and surfaces after cooking to prevent grease buildup.

 · Do not store flammable objects near the stove - Curtains, pot holders, dish towels and food packaging can easily catch fire.

 · Always turn pot handles toward the center of the stove - Turning handles inward can prevent pots from being knocked off the stove or pulled down by small children.

 · Wear short or close-fitting sleeves when cooking - Fires can occur when clothing comes in contact with stovetop burners.

 · Heat cooking oil slowly - Heating oil too quickly can easily start a fire. Never leave hot oil unattended.

 · Teach children safe cooking - Young children should be kept at least 3 feet (1 meter) away from the stove while older family members are cooking. Older children should cook only with permission and under the supervision of an adult.