Kitchen, as innocent as this place seems to be, can be a source of gas leaks, fires and explosions even in hands of an experienced chef. Exaggeration aside, here are some tips on making your cooking adventures safe.

If the stove is on, don't leave it. It's a simple rule, but all too often someone will turn the stove on and turn their back for ?just a second or two.? In that second or two, oil can burst into flames. Let the phone ring, they can leave a message. If something important calls your attention away, turn the stove off. Cooking over an open fire is great, but not in your kitchen. Stick to camping with this one.

Loose clothing can be hazardous too. Long, oversize, or draping attire can easily brush against a burner and before you know it, you're doing a Human Torch impersonation. Keep the Chuck Norris Kung-Fu Outfit (with Action Grip!) out of the kitchen.

Keep pot handles towards the middle and away from elbows and potential spillage. Wearing your dinner is bad. Having oil spill onto a burner due to a bump and catching fire is worse.

And while we're on the topic of oil, be sure to pour oil into a pan *before* the pan is heated. You can avoid fire and splattering oil that way. And splattering oil scars are no fun to explain in a pub. They really only impress a fry cook.

Clean the stove. While not a fun task, wiping down the stove after each use prevents a build up of grease and other potentially flammable substances.

If, insert deity of your choice forbid, a fire does break out, having the number to your local fire station will get you a faster response than calling 9-1-1 and waiting for a transfer to the right station.

Preventing a fire is much easier than fighting one. Keep all flammable materials away from the stove (like oven mitts, towels, wrappers, etc.) and follow the tips above to keep your kitchen (and apartment, and your neighbor's apartment) fire-free.