Gilbert, Ariz. - Gilbert Fire & Rescue is joining departments around the nation in promoting Cooking Safety this Fire Prevention Week.

The leading cause of kitchen fires is unattended cooking. Once a fire starts, it can spread quickly through your home so it’s important to have working smoke alarms and a plan in place for evacuation.

Follow these tips to keep you and your loved ones safe:

• Be on alert! If you are sleepy or have consumed alcohol don’t use the stove or stovetop.
• Stay in the kitchen while you are frying, boiling, grilling, or broiling food. If you leave the kitchen for even a short period of time, turn off the stove.
• If you are simmering, baking, or roasting food, check it regularly, remain in the home while food is cooking, and use a timer to remind you that you are cooking.
• Keep anything that can catch fire — oven mitts, wooden utensils, food packaging, towels or curtains — away from your stovetop.

• On the stovetop, smother the flames by sliding a lid over the pan and turning off the burner. Leave the pan covered until it is completely cooled.
• For an oven fire, turn off the heat and keep the door closed.

You should have a smoke alarm in every bedroom, outside sleeping areas and on every level of your home. Do not put smoke alarms in kitchens or bathrooms.

More smoke alarm tips:

• All smoke detectors/alarms must be replaced after 10 years. 
• Smoke alarms should be cleaned twice a year and tested once a month. 
• Chirping that continues after the battery has been replaced means the alarm is at the end of its life and the unit must be replaced. 
• Make sure your smoke and carbon monoxide (CO) alarms meet the needs of all your family members, including those with sensory or physical disabilities. 

Not sure if your smoke alarm is functioning properly?

Gilbert Fire & Rescue now offers a new service to assist residents with installing and maintaining their smoke detectors. Learn more.

Find additional tips on fire prevention, smoke alarms, including how to clean a smoke alarm, at gilbertaz.gov/FirePrevention.

For more information on Fire Prevention Week, visit fpw.org.