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Prevention

Cooking Safety for All

Cooking brings family, friends, and neighbors together, but is also the top cause of home fires and burn injuries. Use these simple, everyday tips to help keep yourself and everyone around you safe in the kitchen.


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Everyday Prevention Tips

Cook When You're Alert

  • Choose to cook when you’re wide awake, not drowsy from medicine or alcohol. 

  • Stay in the kitchen when frying, grilling, or broiling. If you must leave, turn off the stove. 

Keep Your Kitchen Safe

  • Clean the stove, oven, and exhaust fan to stop grease buildup. 

  • Keep a pan lid and dry potholders or oven mitts close by every time you cook. 

Dress and Cook Smart

  • Wear short or close-fitting sleeves so clothes don’t catch fire. 

  • Turn pot and pan handles toward the back of the stove so they don’t get bumped. 

  • Use the back burners when you can. 

Microwave Tips

  • Use microwave-safe containers that let steam escape. 

  • Let food rest before removing it to avoid steam burns. 

Extra Cooking Tips

  • When frying, use a pan lid or splash guard to stop grease splatter. 

  • When simmering, baking, roasting, or boiling, check food often, stay at home, and use a timer to remind you. 

  • After cooking, check that all burners and appliances are turned off. 

If Food Catches Fire: What to Do

  1. Cover the pan with its lid or a cookie sheet and leave it until it is cool. Never move the pot — hot contents can spill and cause burns. 

  2. Turn off the heat. With the lid on and heat off, the fire should go out on its own. 

  3. Never use water on a kitchen fire — it can spread flames or cause steam burns. 

  4. If the fire is in the oven or microwave, keep the door closed and turn it off. Wait until it cools completely. 

  5. If the fire gets out of control: get out, stay out, and call 911. Don’t go back inside. 

Why It Matters

  • Cooking causes about 47% of all home fires. 

  • Preventing burns is always better than facing pain, treatment, and recovery afterward. 

Disclaimer and Usage 

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The materials on this page, ameriburn.org/prevention/burn-prevention-fact-sheets/cooking-safety-for-all, are the property of the American Burn Association (ABA) and are protected by U.S. and international copyright laws. These fact sheets may be reproduced, shared, and distributed without charge for non-commercial, educational purposes. Co-branding with your organization's name or logo is permitted; however, the ABA logo may not be removed, altered, or replaced without prior written permission from the American Burn Association.

These materials are provided for educational purposes only and should not be used as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. The ABA assumes no responsibility for any injury or damage.