Cooking requires your full attention – that means staying in the kitchen while food is on the stove.  If you’re using the microwave or oven, don’t leave the apartment.  Before turning on the oven, especially for the first time since you’ve moved in, check to make sure nothing was left behind from the previous tenant.  All too often, ovens in apartment units are used for additional storage space (especially the broiler drawer).  The Fire District advises against using this as storage, but it still happens.  Just be sure to check the oven before turning it on to eliminate the risk of starting a fire.  This includes before starting the automatic cleaning feature, too.

Cooking Safety Tips

• Before turning on the oven, check for stored items (including the broiler drawer)
• Stay in the kitchen when you are boiling, broiling, frying or grilling – if you leave the kitchen for even a short time, turn the stove off
• Set a timer to remind yourself that you have food on the stove or in the oven
• Keep pot handles turned in to avoid knocking them off the stove
• Keep towels, hot pads and oven mitts away from the stove