Cooking is the leading cause of home fires, but many of these incidents can be prevented with a few simple safety habits. The Chatham County Fire Department encourages everyone to stay in the kitchen while cooking and never leave food unattended on the stove. Turn pot handles inward and use the back burners whenever possible to help prevent accidental spills and burns, especially around children and pets. Keep your stovetop and oven clean and free of grease and clutter to reduce the risk of fire. When cooking with oil or grease, always keep a lid nearby. If a small grease fire occurs, carefully slide the lid over the pan to smother the flames and turn off the heat. Never use water on a grease fire, as it can cause the flames to spread rapidly. By practicing safe cooking habits every day, you can help protect your home and loved ones from preventable kitchen fires.