Careless cooking is the number one cause of residential fires, so follow these tips for a safer kitchen.

Preventing: Always get a good grip on pots and pans, especially if you are using potholders and never lift more than you are able to carry. If you do spill, wipe up with a damp cloth then dry to prevent someone slipping on the wet floor. Make sure you also keep the main part of the floor/walkway clear.http://www.tdi.state.tx.us/pubs/videoresource/stpkitchen.pdf 

What to do: If you slip, fall and injure yourself, the best treatment for any sprain or strain you might sustain is RICES. The acronym stands for rest, ice, compression, elevation and stabilization. If you have any pain, try ibuprophen (Motrin or Advil) because it also relieves inflammation. Acetaminophen (Tylenol) can also work, but it won't help with inflammation. If pain persists, see a doctor.http://firstaid.webmd.com/sprains-and-strains-treatment 

Preventing: The California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection recommends keeping children away from hot liquids and stovetops. Also make sure all your appliances are functioning properly and never store anything on the stove because it could catch fire.http://www.fire.ca.gov/communications/downloads/fact_sheets/Kitchensafety.pdf 

What to do: If you're clothing catches fire, follow the old adage and stop, drop and roll. If it's your stovetop or something in your oven that has caught fire, turn off the oven or stove and keep a lid on the pot or the oven closed. Oxygen with fuel the fire. Never pour water on a grease fire and make sure you keep a fire extinguisher in or near the kitchen in case of an emergency.http://www.fire.ca.gov/communications/downloads/fact_sheets/Kitchensafety.pdf 

Preventing: Be very careful when using knives in the kitchen. Make sure that your knives are sharp, because dull knives increase the likelihood you'll cut yourself. Keep them clean as you work and always watch where you are cutting. If a knife falls, don't try to catch it, pick it up and wash it off after it has fallen. Don't try to impress anyone with your cutting skills. Keep it simple and stay safe.http://umaine.edu/publications/2314e/ 

What to do: If you do cut yourself, cover the wound with a clean paper or cloth towel. Apply pressure and give it time to stop bleeding. For minor cuts, apply an antiseptic like hydrogen peroxide or Neosporin and bandage and keep clean. For anything more serious (detached fingers, exposed bone, etc), seek immediate medical attention.http://firstaid.webmd.com/cuts-or-lacerations-treatment 

Preventing: The Home Safety Council recommends rolling up your sleeves and wearing oven mitts before you start cooking. If you can, try to cook only on the back burners. Be very careful when handling boiling liquids, especially if you will be draining them over the sink. Set all hot dishes away from the edge of the countertop so that they are not easily bumped or pulled off.http://www.homesafetycouncil.org/SafetyGuide/sg_cooking_w001.asp 

What to do: If you are burned, run the affected area under cold water immediately for 10-20 minutes but don't use ice. Cover the burn with a clean, dry cloth and apply a salve and bandages for minor burns. Seek medical attention if the burn is serious enough (bleeding or exposed muscle tissue).http://firstaid.webmd.com/tc/burns-home-treatment