Today, April 12, 2012 is "National Grilled Cheese Sandwich Day", a great time to review cooking safety tips from your friends at the Los Angeles Fire Department and the U.S Fire Administration.

About 3,500 Americans die each year in fires and about 18,300 are injured. You can stop the fire before it starts. Lean how to prevent a fire in your home - and know what to do if you have a fire.

Stop a cooking fire before it starts:

• Keep towels, pot holders, and curtains away from flames, ovens, and stove tops.
• Never leave food that is cooking on the stove alone. A serious fire can start in just seconds.
• Clean cooking surfaces regularly to prevent grease buildup, which can start fires.
• Never use the stove or oven to heat your home.
• Double-check the kitchen before you go to bed or leave the house. Make sure all appliances are turned off.
• Make sure you turn off the stove or oven when you are finished using it.

Avoid cooking injuries:

• Always wear short or tight-fitting sleeves when cooking, because the sleeves may catch on fire and burn you.
• Heat cooking oil slowly to avoid burns from spattering grease. Be extra careful when cooking deep-fried food, because the hot grease can burn you.

Be prepared for a fire:

• If you are cooking and a fire starts, turn off the stove or burner and put a lid on the pan to stop it. Never throw water on a grease fire.
• One of the best ways to protect yourself and your family is to have a working smoke alarm that can sound fast for both a fire that has flames, and a smoky fire that has fumes without flames. It is called a "Dual Sensor Smoke Alarm". A smoke alarm greatly reduces your chances of dying in a fire.
• Prepare an escape plan and practice it twice a year. Make sure everyone in your family knows at least two (2) escape routes from their bedrooms and a common meeting place once safely outside. 

Well, there you have it - a quick review. Now go enjoy that safely-prepared sandwich with a bowl of tomato soup!

Submitted by Brian Humphrey, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department
Image: courtesy ahhyeah