Your home should feel like the safest place on Earth. However, even the best of us can miss safety hazards in any room, including the kitchen.

• Keep appliance cords away from potential heat sources, including ovens, stove tops and other heat-producing appliances.

• Be sure to use only one heat-producing appliance per outlet.

• Protect all kitchen outlets with a ground-fault circuit interrupter or GFCI. An overload will trigger these to cut all power to the circuit to prevent an electrical fire.

• Reduce your risk even further by unplugging devices that aren't in use.

• In addition to a smoke alarm that's tested monthly and has its batteries replaced annually, make sure to have a fire extinguisher nearby.

Use these tips to make sure you serve up all your meals with a side of safety.