Northbrook, IL - According to Underwriters Laboratories and the National Fire Protection Association, most fires - and most fire deaths - occur in the United States during December, January and February. The main culprits? Unattended cooking and, increasingly, candles.

Three of every 10 reported home fires start in the kitchen - more than any other place in the house. And the majority of kitchen fires can be traced to unattended cooking.

Candle fires most commonly occur in December, largely because of their popularity for holiday decorating. In recent years, candle fires have been responsible for an average of more than 10,000 fires and 120 deaths annually, according to the NFPA's latest statistics.

As with cooking fires, more than one-third of candle fires occurred because the candles were left unattended, were abandoned, or were inadequately controlled; one in five because combustible material was left too close to the flame; and one in 10 because children were playing with candles.

UL and the NFPA urge consumers to follow these fire prevention tips this when cooking and decorating with candles.

Tips for safer cooking:

• Turn off and unplug all appliances when not in use. Periodically check on food being cooked in an oven, microwave, or on the stove.
• Use caution when using electrical appliances. Never plug more than one high wattage appliance into a single outlet. Check appliances for frayed or cracked cords and make sure to have them repaired by a professional technician if needed. Never stand in or near water when using electrical appliances.
• Keep young children at least three feet away from kitchen appliances when cooking. If you allow older children to cook, supervise them closely and teach them safe cooking practices.
• Dress appropriately for cooking. Wear short or tight-fitting sleeves and use caution when working near heat sources.
• Have plenty of fire-resistant potholders and oven mitts ready for use while cooking.
• Turn handles inward so pots and pans won't be pulled or knocked off the stove.
• Keep the stovetop clean and clear. Store combustible materials away from heat sources.
• Save operating instructions for rarely used appliances and reread them before each use.

Tips for using candles safely:

• Be sure to place candles in sturdy, non-combustible holders, and keep them well away from decorations and other combustible materials. Check candles frequently to make sure they don't burn down too far.
• Don't leave children unattended in a room with lit candles, and always keep candles, as well as matches and lighters, up high and out of the reach of children.
• Don't display lit candles in windows or near exits in case you need these to escape.
• Under no circumstances is it safe to use lit candles to decorate Christmas trees.