Practice Kitchen Safety this Thanksgiving

According to the U.S. Fire Administration, cooking fires are more than twice as likely to occur on Thanksgiving day compared to an average day. This amounts to more than 4,000 fires on Thanksgiving day. In addition to making sure there is a working fire alarm in your home there are other easy safety precautions you can take to make this a fun and safe holiday.

• Stay in the kitchen while you are cooking. According to the National Fire Protection Association, unattended cooking is the leading cause of home fires Thanksgiving day. About 90 percent of fires are caused by unattended cooking.
• Keep items that can catch on fire like potholders and food wrappers at least three feet away from heat sources.
•  Wear tighter fitting clothes with short sleeves that are out of the way when cooking. 
• Designate a "kid-free zone" at least three feet away from the stove and other hot surfaces.
• If using a deep fryer when cooking, keep deep fryer outside away from walls, fences and other structures.
• Never hold a child while cooking, drinking or carrying hot foods or liquids.
• Turn handles of pots and pans inward to avoid accidents.
• If you are simmering, baking, roasting, or boiling food make sure to check it regularly, stay in the home while food is cooking, and use a timer to remind you that you are cooking.
• Follow all manufacturer guidelines regarding the appropriate use of appliances.
• After guests leave, walk around the house to make sure all candles and smoking materials are extinguished.