Check the batteries in all of your home's smoke detectors.

Keep a fire extinguisher in the kitchen. Store it about 10 feet away from the stove. Buy the kind that will extinguish a grease fire, and make sure everyone in the house knows how to use it.

Don't overload electrical outlets. If you don't have enough outlets for all of your appliances, call an electrician to install more.

Keep stoves, ovens, broilers, range hoods and other cooking equipment clean and grease-free.

Keep curtains far away from your stove or cook top so they don't blow over burners. Hang dish towels and pot holders away from burners.

If you keep matches in the kitchen, store them in a metal container away from the cook top and oven.

Never wear loose flowing clothing while cooking. Never leave the stove unattended.

In case of fire, remember that water will not douse a fire fueled by grease. Pouring water on a grease fire will cause the burning liquid to splatter, and that could cause the fire to spread. Use the fire extinguisher or baking soda to extinguish small fires.

If a fire starts inside a pot or pan, put a lid on it to extinguish the fire. Don't try to carry a burning pot or pan outdoors or to the sink. The risk of spilling the burning contents is too great, and you could burn yourself or spread the fire.

If the fire starts in the oven, close the oven door.

If your clothes catch on fire, drop to the ground and roll around.