Parents whose kids will be home alone after school should review fire safety basics now, Tualatin Valley Fire & Rescue (TVF&R) says.

The agency published its annual back-to-school guidance on Monday, Aug. 31, with tips aimed at families navigating the transition for the first time. TVF&R said children should memorize their home address, their parents' phone numbers and how to call 911. The agency also recommends posting numbers for family and neighbors on the refrigerator or a bulletin board.

Cooking tops the risk list. Nationwide, cooking accounts for an estimated 48% of home structure fires, according to National Fire Protection Association data.

TVF&R said younger children should stick to the microwave or oven rather than the stovetop.

Teens allowed to use the stove should stay by the stovetop the entire time and turn off the burner before leaving the room. The agency warned against throwing water on a grease fire or moving a flaming pan.

TVF&R also said families should identify two escape routes from every room, practice a fire escape plan together and keep matches, lighters and candles out of children's reach. If a fire starts, kids should leave immediately and call 911 from outside.

More information is available at tvfr.com or by contacting TVF&R's Life Safety Education team at [email protected] or 503-259-1502.