1. Don't turn the burner to high for anything except bringing water to a boil. After that the highest you should go is 'Medium high'. This prevents boil-over and over-cooking.
2. When frying or using oil, keep a box of salt handy. If there is a pan-fire, DON'T PANIC! Pour the salt over the fire and cover it tightly. The fire will go out.
3. To save time and money divide foods you buy or cook into single portions and use disposable plastic containers to freeze the individual meals in. Toss them in the microwave when you need them and don't have time to cook.
Bon appetit!