Sunday is the start of fire prevention week. With this year’s theme being cooking safety, local fire departments are providing tips on how to be safe in the kitchen. Top StoriesMore than 65 pounds of illegal drugs seized from Winston-Salem drug trafficking organization, officials sayGreensboro police looking for a man who robbed a Citi Trends clothing storeFall Color Guide 2023: Here's when and where to see leaves change in North CarolinaGet the latest news stories of interest by clicking hereStay focused on the foodUnattended cooking is the leading cause of fires in the kitchen.Stay in the kitchen when frying, boiling, grilling, or broiling food. Turn off the burner if you leave the kitchen even for a short period of time.If you are simmering, baking, or roasting food, check it regularly and stay at home.Use a timer to remind you that you are cooking or carry around kitchen utensils as a reminder. If you are sleepy, have consumed alcohol, or have taken medicine that makes you drowsy, don't cook. Place a delivery order! Put a lid on itYou can take simple steps to keep a small kitchen fire from getting out of control.Always keep a lid nearby when cooking. If a small grease fire starts, slide the lid over the pan and turn off the burner. Leave the pan covered until it's cool.Never discharge a portable fire extinguisher into a grease fire because it will spread the fire.In case of an oven fire, turn off the heat and keep the door closed until the oven is cool. After the fire, have the oven serviced before using it again.If you have a microwave oven fire, turn the appliance off immediately and keep the oven door closed. Have the microwave oven serviced before using it again. Кeep cooking areas clearClear away clutter and give cooking appliances space to lessen the chance of a kitchen fireKeep anything that can catch fire, including oven mitts, wooden utensils, food wrappers, towels, and curtains away from the stovetop.Loose clothing can hang down onto stove burners and catch fire. Wear short, close-fitting, or tightly rolled sleeves when cooking.Have a "kid-free zone" of at least 3 feet around the stove and areas where hot food or drinks are prepared or carried.Keep pets off kitchen surfaces and countertops.Clean up food and grease from burners and the stovetop.Prevent scalds and burnsHot liquids and steam from the stove or oven can cause devastating injuries.Turn the pot handles away from the stove's edge.Keep hot foods and liquids away from the table and counter edges.Keep your face away from the oven door when checking or removing food so that the heat or steam does not cause burns.Open microwaved food slowly, away from your face. Let food cool before eating.Keep appliance cords coiled and away from counter edges. Cooking causes most home fires. By following these tips you can decrease the risk of fires happening. Watch: NOWCAST streaming newscastsNAVIGATE: Home | Weather | Watch NOWCAST TV | Local News | National | News We Love |Trending Stories