Cooking is the number one cause of home fires in the United States. During Fire Prevention Month the American Red Cross suggests using safety steps to avoid a fire while cooking.
The National Fire Protection Agency cites that in 2010, cooking was involved in an estimated 156,400 home structure fires and caused an overall 44% of home fires that were reported to U.S. fire departments.
COOKING SAFETY The cook should not wear loose clothing or dangling sleeves while cooking. They should also stay in the kitchen when frying, grilling or broiling food - never leave cooking food unattended. If you must leave the kitchen, for even a short period of time, turn off the stove.
Other safety steps include:
You can help people affected by disasters like fires, as well as countless crises at home and around the world, by making a donation to support American Red Cross Disaster Relief. Your gift enables the Red Cross to prepare for and provide shelter, food, emotional support and other assistance in response to disasters. Visit www.redcross.org or call 1-800-RED-CROSS. Contributions may also be sent to your local American Red Cross chapter or to the American Red Cross, P.O. Box 37243, Washington, DC 20013.