Health Tip: Preventing a Kitchen Fire

(HealthDay News) -- A kitchen fire can flare at a moment's notice -- as soon as you turn your back on your broiling or baking dinner.

The fireSafety.gov Web site offers these suggestions for preventing a cooking fire:

• Never leave your kitchen while food is cooking. Always keep a watchful eye.
• Don't cook while wearing loose clothing. Choose short or tight sleeves to keep them from an open flame.
• Don't allow young children around the stove or oven.
• Keep your kitchen and stove clean and free of build-up that can ignite.
• Keep flammable items such as towels, pot holders and curtains from an open flame or heat.
• Turn the handles of your pan to the inside to prevent accidentally knocking a handle and causing a spill.