Now is the perfect time to review and practice your home and work escape plans. The No. 1 rule if a fire happens: Get out, stay out and call for help. Never go back inside for anyone or anything.

Cooking fires are the leading cause of home fires and fire injuries. While cooking, make fire safety a priority by keeping these tips in mind:

• Be alert; if you are sleepy or have consumed alcohol, don’t use the oven or stove top
• Stay in the kitchen while you are frying, grilling, boiling or broiling food
• When simmering, baking or roasting, check the food regularly, remain in the kitchen while cooking and use a timer
• Keep anything that can catch fire away from your stove top

Heating is the second leading cause of home fires. Follow these tips from the American Red Cross:

• Keep all flammables like paper, clothing, bedding, drapes and rugs at least 3 feet from a space heater, stove or fireplace
• Never leave portable heaters and fireplaces unattended
• If you must use a space heater, place it on a level nonflammable surface like ceramic tile; not on a rug or carpet
• Keep children and pets away from space heaters
• When buying a space heater, look for models that shut off automatically if the heater falls over

In addition to cooking and heating, other top causes of fire include smoking, electrical problems, and candles. To minimize risks:

• Institute a “no smoking” policy in your home
• Check all cords and replace any that are frayed or have bare wires
• Switch to flame-less candles
• Keep matches and lighters out of reach from children

Don't forget!

• Check the date of manufacture on your smoke alarms and replace them if older than 10 years
• Change the batteries and test each smoke alarm in your home
• Make sure your house or building number can be seen from the street