The Honolulu Fire Department's fire prevention safety tip for the month of March deals with safe cooking.

Cooking at home can be a fun family activity, but it can also be hazardous if safety steps aren't taken. According to the U.S. Fire Administration, cooking fires are the leading cause of house fires and fire injuries nationwide.

The following precautions can be taken to minimize your chances of starting a cooking fire:

1. Do not leave cooking food unattended. If you must leave the kitchen, even briefly, turn off the heat, and take a spoon or oven mitt with you to remind yourself of the food on the stove.

2. Do not become distracted. Attending to children, answering phone calls, watching television, and answering doorbells can have devastating results when the stove is on and unattended.

3. Keep ignitable items, such as dishtowels, paper or plastic bags, or curtains, at least three feet away from the range top.

4. Keep an ABC-rated fire extinguisher near the kitchen, and learn how to use it.