• Never leave a pan unattended at the stove.Lew Robertson/Stockbyte/Getty Images
  
  Staying safe while working at the stove is not difficult. It is simply a matter of paying attention to what is cooking on the stove, watching what you're doing and having a few simple safety materials nearby.
  
  The top danger in the kitchen is a fire, so following a few rules to prevent this is one of the most important things you can do when cooking.
  
  

Preventing Fires

• The best way to prevent a fire from happening is to never leave food unattended while cooking. Even if you leave for just a few seconds to use the bathroom or let the dog out, food can catch on fire. This is especially true of oil or other fats and sugar.
  
  If you have food in the oven, set a timer so you don't forget about it. Also clean your stove after each use to prevent spills from catching on fire on the burners.
  
  

What to Do If a Fire Occurs

• Always keep a fire extinguisher nearby in case of a fire. But since different fire extinguishers are formulated for different types of fire, keep baking soda at hand as well. It can put out a grease fire, whereas water would simply accelerate it or even cause an explosion. Another effective solution is to have the lid to the pot handy, so if it catches on fire, you can smother the fire quickly. If a fire occurs in the oven, close the door and turn off the heat to smother the flames.
  
  

Preventing Burns

• Preventing burns at the stove also is simple and just requires paying attention. Use quality oven mitts, and replace them as soon as they get worn. Make sure you also tie your hair back if it's long, and don't wear flowing sleeves while cooking.
  
  Put any hot pots or casserole dishes at the back of the stove with an oven mitt or pot holder in front of them, and turn the handles in so nothing gets knocked over. Also, use the back burners of the stove when possible to prevent someone from inadvertently touching a hot burner at the front of the stove. If you have children, purchase an inexpensive guard to put on the front of the stove to help keep little fingers from touching a hot burner.