How and when to fight cooking fires

• When in doubt, just get out. Close the door behind you to help contain the fire. Call 911 or the local emergency number after leaving.

• If you do try to fight the fire, be sure others are already getting out and that there is a clear path to the exit.

• Always keep an oven mitt and a lid nearby when cooking. If a small grease fire starts in a pan, smother the flames by carefully sliding the lid over the pan while wearing an oven mitt. Turn off the burner. Do not move the pan. To keep the fire from restarting, leave the lid on until the pan is completely cool.

• In case of an oven fire, turn off the heat and keep the door closed to prevent flames from burning you or your clothing.

• For microwave oven fires, turn it off immediately and keep the door closed. Never open the door until the fire is completely out. Unplug the appliance if the outlet can be safely reached.

• After a fire, both ovens and microwaves should be checked and/or serviced before use.