The American Red Cross is offering up some Thanksgiving safety tips for those working on the big feast.
They say that Thanksgiving and the day before are the two top days for a cooking fire to happen, and cooking fires are the leading cause of home fires and home fire injuries. They are also the second-leading cause of home fire related deaths. One of the biggest reasons a cooking fire starts is that many people leave food in the oven or stovetop unattended while it cooks, so the Red Cross advises people to stay in the kitchen when frying, grilling or broiling food. If you have to leave, they advise you to turn off the stove.
The Red Cross also advises:
- keep items away from stoves and ovens that could catch fire, like potholders, towels, wooden utensils, and even loose-fitting clothing or dangling sleeves.
- Use a timer to remind yourself that the oven is on
- Make sure the kitchen is cleaned regularly.
- Keep kids and pets at least three feet away from cooking areas
- Keep a fire extinguisher nearby.
Also, check the smoke alarm in the kitchen to make sure it is working, as smoke alarms can give people extra time to evacuate should the worst happen.
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